Haitian At Large Cynicism
Current Issues: 1- Insecurity 2- Raging Inflation 3- Government Skepticism
I am choosing to be direct as usual on this blog and if I ruffle feathers so be it.
As it is today the current Haitian administration of PM Ariel Henry has not uttered a word on the insecurity situation plaguing Haiti for years now. Choosing instead to call it a "mere detail." Really! last week alone 20 or more kidnapping is a mere detail. That is a major issue that needs to be dealt with swiftly unless the neurosurgeon PM is living on a different planet.
It is no wonder that the administration of PM Dr. Ariel Henry has a serious credibility issue with the population. Tackling the insecurity head on, quickly restoring the rule of law will restore trust in government, and turn the country around on a dime. And let me say that it is complex but not impossible if the will to deal with the issue is there.
Haitians of my generation and prior are a proud people. However, the generations that followed are totally detached from their roots today. It is no wonder that they are braving the Panamanian Darien Gap seeking a better life elsewhere, rather than staying home to contribute to the development of our Haiti Cherie. Once out of the "Hellhole" they are highly productive no matter their academic or skill level. Case in point, our neighbor the Dominican Republic, Haitians have contributed a great deal to their development at the expense of Haiti, and let's not mention North America, Canada, and Europe.
The late President Rene Garcia Preval put it this way during one of his terms: "nager pou sauver." Well, two decades later, Haitians are doing just that swimming away from violence, poverty, lack of adequate living standards and opportunities. All result of an apartheid system that rival South Africa's 40+ years of apartheid.
My generation, most of us at or around retirement age, is longing to return home to live in tranquility, use our experience and hard earned capital to make Haiti a better place for all, if given the opportunity. However, at this point it is all talk but no actions on diaspora participations in developing the Mother Land. When we contribute annually 3.8 billion or nearly 30% of GDP in remittances. Without us a large sector of the population will go hungry, and commerce will be deeply impacted. Specially Haitian rice importers and American rice farmers since 10% of US rice productions or more goes to Haiti, $223M.
To be more precise on that 3.8B, when you add foreign aids, USAID etc. it is HUGE. Since it is all taxpayers money because the diaspora pays taxes wherever they are. Hence without us there's no Haiti, but we don't have a voice in the Mother Land's business. Excluded because "Haitian Leaders and Business Elites" do not want the competition that we as a group represent. A stupid concept since competition creates more revenue, innovation, and services for all. Thereby raising the living standards of all Haitians and increase sales because consumers have more money to spend. Hait's economy just like the US's is consumption base.
Today we are the talking point of the media and politicians. And let's not forget President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, calling Haiti a "Latrine" and calling for yet another foreign occupation. When the Dominican Republic is #1 beneficiary of our turmoil, notwithstanding Haiti being their #2 trading partner after the US.
We, Haitians, inject a lot of cash ( licit & illicit) into the DR economy, but he conveniently failed to mention the economic importance of Haiti to the DR. Moreover President Abinader is asking Haitian businessman to relocate to the DR, and offering them incentives like paying for relocation costs etc.
Haiti's strength is in the latent power of her people. This power is manifested once abroad through our success when we are in an environment that provides opportunity and rule of law. President Abinader sees it every day. For Haitians are the one building his country while being roughshod by Dominicans.
The war against subjugation is a protracted one that demands courage, patience, and perseverance. Most importantly we must present a united front to the world in order to win it. For currently we are deeply divided, which plays well into the hands of those benefiting from the status quo. A Haitian United Front is the oppressors' worst nightmare, and they are doing all they can to discourage it.
Once united and actively involved in determining Haiti's future (at home & abroad) as "WE" see it, not others, we can bring our clout to bare on the international community and transnationals in order to implement the necessary changes that we are longing for. More on that united front coming soon.
The Ariel Henry-Andre Michel coalition must take notes besides implementing concrete steps to radically turn Haiti around, otherwise it is more of the same and as Senator Jerry Tardieu once said it: "a gangster will tell you when to leave your house," which is happening now in part of the country. Most important is: Do they Have the Will to Walk the Walk?
Don't forget to check out my book Duct-Taped in Amazon Bookstore.
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