20000124

Family reunification

MIAMI: A mother separated from her son and daughter after a boat packed with 411 mostly Haitian passengers ran aground New Year's Day has been reunited with her children.

In the glare of television cameras on Saturday, Marc Yvens Dieubon, 9, and Germanie, 8, embraced their mother, Yvena Rhinvil, while about 50 community leaders, elected officials and supporters Ñ some carrying American flags Ñ looked on.

US Rep. Carrie Meek, her son, state Sen. Kendrick Meek, and activist Marleine Bastien travelled to Haiti on Saturday to accompany the children back to Miami.

"This is a unification of a family," Carrie Meek said. "We have fought hard, but we have not won the battle yet".

Rhinvil, 33, who is pregnant, was one of four people brought ashore Jan. 1, from the ship stuck off South Florida for medical treatment. Her children were left on the boat, and were among the 407 people then returned to Haiti.ÑAP