Q: In all the coverage of Haiti, I haven't seen any relief/rescue work being done by the Haitian military. Does Haiti have an army, navy, etc.?
-- Jim Smith, Woodstock
A: Haiti does not have regular military forces, according to a CIA country profile. The Haitian Armed Forces, which consisted of the army, navy and air force, have been demobilized but still exist on paper until they are abolished by the constitution. The country has a small coast guard, according to the CIA. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2007 that then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide demobilized Haiti’s 7,500 troops in 1995.
Q: What was the outcome of the appeal by the teacher that was dismissed in Barrow County for having pictures of her drinking a glass of beer while on vacation in Europe?
-- Wayne Thaxton, Dacula
A: There is no outcome yet to Ashley Payne’s lawsuit against the Barrow County School District. The teacher at Apalachee High School in Winder says she was forced to resign without a chance to appeal last fall after the photos and a comment from her Facebook page were sent to the school superintendent. The case is in the discovery phase, said Robert Freidman with Storrs & Woodland, which represents Payne. He said depositions of individuals involved, including the principal and assistant principal, were taken last week.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).