The director of the Bishop Tharp Institute of Business and Technology (BTI), built by the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), in Haiti has been shot and killed in Pétion-Ville, just outside Port au Prince.

|TOP|Haitian police said they were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Edward Emmanuel Corneille, who became director of the BTI in Les Cayes in February 2004.

The business institute was developed by the ERD in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti and finally opened in October 2005.

According to reports, Corneille was involved in the campaign of Charles Henry Baker, a presidential candidate.

Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin of Haiti said in statement on the killing of the BTI director: “It is obvious that rampant violence and unrest has become a daily reality that threatens all of us living in Haiti," he said.

|QUOTE|"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."

According to reports, the police have registered at least 27 murders and 43 kidnappings in Haiti’s capital Port au Prince in the short period between 12th December 2005 and 3rd January 2006.

The death of the BTI director has come as a great shock to the ERD.

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

Corneille played a central role in the final phases of building and opening the institute. He also helped recruit more than 120 students to the new Institute.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Emmanuel’s family,” said Nelson.