1986, February 8–March: (The Cabinet of National Reconciliation, the TTMs Abolished but Absorbed into the Army, Madame Max Escapes Disguised as a Nun or in a…

1986, February 8–March: (The Cabinet of National Reconciliation, the TTMs Abolished but Absorbed into the Army, Madame Max Escapes Disguised as a Nun or in a Crate of Mangoes, Ti Boulé the Cigarette-Lighter Interrogator Aided to Brazil, the Red and Blue Flag Restored, Magloire Returns Hale and Hearty While Fignolé Returns Dying of Cancer, and Diaspo Enters the Creole Vocabulary): Under curfew, the soldiers and two civilians huddled to produce a cabinet whose nineteen members were announced Saturday. Gourgue’s appointment as Justice Minister and Rosny Desroches as Education Minister gave respectability; François Latortue was named Foreign Minister; the key Interior Ministry went to Regala; Avril attracted the most criticism for his links to the ousted regime. The National Assembly was dissolved, the constitution suspended, and the CNG announced it would rule by decree. In masses of thanksgiving that Sunday, bishops urged their flocks to respect life and property — the rash of necklacings with its implications of popular empowerment had rattled the Church. Under cover of curfew, the army mounted a rescue operation for many macoutes across the country, spiriting them to safe houses for flight abroad — the CNG successfully expatriated those most in danger and those who knew the most. Madame Max popped up overseas having variously escaped disguised as a nun (reports do not mention which order) or in a crate of mangoes destined for export. Albert Pierre, the hated chief of police known as Ti Boulé — little flame — for his effective use of cigarette lighters during interrogation, was aided in escaping to Brazil. The CNG restored the beloved red and blue flag, with Namphy himself hoisting the colors above the palace. The TTMs were announced abolished — popular pleasure was seriously dampened when Avril conceded that many VSN members could be incorporated into the army, while Regala, unused to press scrutiny, made the mistake of telling the truth: many TTMs had been rounded up for their protection. By the end of March, both Paul Magloire, still hale and hearty, and Daniel Fignolé, dying of cancer, returned home. Less well-known exiles flocked home by the thousands, bringing welcome cash; a new Creole word — diaspo — grew up to describe those living abroad.