Director of the Bishop Tharp Institute of Business and Technology killed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti; school re-opens after holiday recess

Episcopal Relief and Development is saddened to report the death of Edward Emmanuel Corneille, the Director of the Bishop Tharp Institute of Business and Technology (BTI) in Les Cayes, Haiti. Episcopal Relief and Development worked in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to build the institute which opened in October of 2005.

Corneille was shot and killed in P?tion-Ville, just outside of Port-au-Prince, last Thursday. Haitian police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. It has been reported that Corneille was involved in the campaign of Charles Henry Baker, a presidential candidate. According to reports, the police have registered at least 27 murders and 43 kidnapping in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area between December 12, 2005, and January 3, 2006.

The Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, Bishop of Haiti, released a statement deploring the death of Corneille. Bishop Duracin said, 'It is obvious that rampant violence and unrest has become a daily reality that threatens all of us living in Haiti.' He also said, 'Since BTI's opening, the institute has been seen as a symbol of hope for Les Cayes and the southern part of Haiti, with Emmanuel there was hope.'

'This is disheartening for the BTI community, the Diocese of Haiti, and ERD,' said Abagail Nelson, ERD's Vice President for Program. 'Emmanuel was a charismatic leader who will be sorely missed,' said Nelson.

A delegation from the diocese travelled to the institute on Saturday and is working through the transition process. Today, BTI reopened after a holiday recess.  An interim director will be named this week by Bishop Duracin, Chair of BTI's Board of Directors.

Corneille served as BTI's director since February of 2004. He was instrumental in the final phases of building and opening the institute and helped recruit over 120 students. He worked in the U.S. for several years in business and higher learning institutions.  

He is survived by a son and numerous family members both in Haiti and the United States.

'ERD remains committed to BTI through this transition in leadership,' said Nelson.  'Our thoughts and prayers are with Emmanuel's family.'

Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.