Carnival in violence-wracked Haiti: good business or bad taste? Haiti gears up for its annual Carnival celebration, but the Mardi Gras festivities are controversial in a country struggling with gang violence, kidnappings and political unrest. Some say the money generated by the colorful parades is much needed in the impoverished Caribbean nation. Others believe the partying is wildly misplaced and in poor taste. Under the watchful eyes of choreographers, dozens of young girls repeat the sequences they will perform during the parade. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES