I have been on a rather lengthy absence from writing as I have been unable to write something productive of late. This could in part be a result of tiredness; or, more likely, that I have become so acclimatised to my surroundings that I lack the motivation to crystallize my thoughts in text. Seldom in the first two months of my visit to Haiti did a day go by when an experience could have been cultivated into a piece of analysis.
A year on from an event which would cripple any country let alone the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, The WEP refuses to add to the gloom with another travail about what is wrong with this country. Where others see destruction; I see survival. Where many talk of failure, I see success against all odds. Where others see desperation, I see only hope. Haiti, for all its ills is a miracle.
Any other nation that had suffered two hundred years of war, corruption, intervention, murder and poverty might have given up, shelving the idea of statehood altogether and allowing itself to be absorbed into a larger brother – such as the US. For periods in its history, undeniably, Haiti has been utterly dependent on external powers. Indeed, today it is no more independent by some measures than December 31st 1803 yet having suffered so much, we should praise Haiti for its successes. Moreover, looking forward, I would like to argue that there are many ways we can bring about lasting improvement as non-nationals.
Firstly, the experience on the ground is that of a thriving commerce. Dependent as it is on imports, with the right sort of help and cultivation of agriculture and business security, it would not be difficult to tap into a resource that Haiti has in abundance – manpower and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether it is the sugar cane salesman, mototaxi driver or market trader, Haiti is abundant with local businesses. They are just not ones we have concentrated on in our efforts to help.
Second, following Brazil’s example, Haiti could again become rich from its natural resources. Not, as many fear, internationally lucrative crude oil but sugar cane. It could be refined, depending on the prevailing market equilibrium, for sugar or ethanol with the waste product burnt for local fuel supply.
Third, I have witnessed some of the most articulate and passionate public speakers in my time working in Haiti. The country is staunchly political and potentially a strong and fruitful democracy. It has been let down for too long by its leaders and it is up to the NGOs to help unlock this powerful potential for peaceful contestation and public discourse.
Fourth, Haiti has seen one of the worst brain drains of anywhere in the world. It is important that those that have left are reconnected with their former communities; not simply as blank cheques but as vital resources for wisdom, education and security for those still living in the ancestral home. Crucially, a further exodus must be avoided at all costs.
Fifth, reflecting on the international community, there must be a focus on what actually works and what does not with regard to NGO efforts. For instance, we should not be talking about 45 seconds of destruction on January 12th as a focus for efforts; instead, we should look at Haiti since independence and draw lessons from every period of its development. Timely policy advice, business skills, education and academic expertise are what Haiti sorely lacks and are things which non-Haitians can provide in abundance. This does not take require huge economic transfers and will provide a longer lasting impact than any aid budget can.
Sixth, we have to take a look at the role of international organizations in Haiti. It is by no means constructive for disaster-related missions to continue for years to come. Therefore, we have to ensure that the international communitiy’s continued presence in Haiti is valuable to Haiti – not to highly paid professionals who will not cultivate its future growth. If that means NGOs should withdraw and allow Haiti to run itself, even if it is argued that this could lead to disaster, then so be it. Nothing can be achieved without the consent and participation of those who will be left once the disaster and emergency relief merry-go-round moves to its next crisis. That means reform to the way aid monies are distributed and spent. This can only be achieved through a re-evaluation of what is truly necessary and what is not to provide for a stable and thriving Haiti.
Therefore, I would recommend the following: an integrated, multidisciplinary Haitian studies incorporating as many testimonials and in-country evidence as possible from NGOs and all sections of civil society. Two, reconstruction is only one part of the puzzle; we have to take a holistic approach to where we, as non-Haitians, can provide help not over one or two years but over one or two centuries.
That means when you build a school or church, do so in partnership with the local community. When a ‘blan’ organization comes to help, demonstrate a long-term commitment by having a continuous presence in the community – every working day every all year round. When you build a new hospital, don’t undercut the pre-existing health-system, as poor and outmoded as it seems. Do not promise jobs, but sustainable skills to create independence.
Haiti is a miracle and continues to amaze any who choose to see beyond the rubble.
