After 220 years of a unique national existence, Haiti is facing an undeniably worrisome socio-economic and security situation. "The extreme insecurity prevailing in Haiti has increasingly unfortunate consequences, scattering once stable families, forcing them to wander in their own country.

My objective is to initiate a collective reflection, likely to generate concrete courses of action to remedy this both endemic and systemic crisis. This intervention is addressed to native Haitians, members of the diaspora, and more broadly to anyone concerned with the future of the country and its population. It concerns us all, individually and collectively.


Haiti: Between Crisis and Hope

While despair bogs down our aspirations and our right to a dignified life, corruption plagues every step, every initiative, every new hope.

1. The weight of misery
   Beyond insecurity, the people are burdened by social precariousness, the exorbitant cost of living and food shortages.
   
   At any moment, gangsters arrogate to themselves the right to close schools, businesses, health centers, and spread terror and death around them in Haiti, with impunity.  
   
   
2. Election period: Xenophobia was in full swing in the United States
   In our northern neighbor, for those who have had the chance to go there, some politicians do not hesitate to treat us like garbage and criminals. Not content with unjustly accusing us of eating their dogs and cats, they call us subhumans who should under no circumstances come to settle in their country.
   
   Forgetting their own origins, they promise to deport us like cattle.
   
   
3. The failure of interventions
       Whether civilian or military, any new foreign mission devoid of a clear strategy is inexorably doomed to failure.
   
   Their efforts come up against harsh realities: the gangs control the ground.  Moreover, the apathy of the international community is palpable.    Occupied by other major concerns, it apparently has no interest in Haiti's difficulties. This attitude leads more than one to think that a certain depopulation of the country is  envisaged in order to achieve better control of its mining resources.  
   
   The dice are loaded, of course, since the game is being played at our expense, but the Haitian people have defied the odds so many times that the hope of a new spring persists. The situation is so serious, however, that even the most fervent optimists prefer to remain silent while waiting for Father Abraham to rise and say in a thunderous voice, and in anger: "Enough is enough!".
   
   
4. The scars of history
   A look back reveals a nation tested, since the assassination in 1806 of its Founding Father and even before that fateful date.
   
   It is rare to recall that figures like Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Capois-La-Mort, Henri Christophe and other leaders of the victorious indigenous army, fell victim to fratricidal struggles and did not, in short, have the opportunity to transfer their military talents into skills necessary for peaceful governance.
   
   
5. The debt trap: France and the financial burden
   In 1825, France, with a imposing armada, returns to the coasts of its former colony and demands, under threat of a new war, reparations for its lost plantations, in addition to compensation for its former slaves whose forced labor had built its wealth.
   
   Judging the newly freed men reluctant to renew a war which had cost them so dearly, less than a quarter of a century ago President Boyer signs - to the misfortune of the people - an agreement to reimburse the French 150 million francs.
   
   According to the terms of this debt, a French bank imposes prohibitive interest rates.
   
   Thus, France enriches itself again, thanks to this initiative worthy of the most audacious tales of piracy.
   
   On the other hand, the infamous debt exceeds the annual income of the young nation, As a consequence, Haiti is forced to refinance this colossal sum again and again, in an infernal cycle of payments and borrowings, until the final payment in 1947 by the administration of President Dumarsais Estimé.
   
   Certainly, we can celebrate the military victories of the Revolution, but it must be recognized that France, by its financial shenanigans, has squandered the very essence of Haiti's independence, rendering it illusory in current affairs.
   
   As if that were not enough, the shadow of the northern neighbors loomed on the horizon.
   
   
   
6. American interference: occupation and control
    December 1914: the Wilson administration orders the Marines  to seize the gold reserves of the National Bank of Haiti,  half a million dollars that disappear  towards New York.
   
   These reserves are then transferred manu militari, with no due date, to the care of the "National City Bank of New York", predecessor of today's Citibank.
   
   Wouldn't it be fair for Citibank to welcome  each immigrant Haitian with a bank book and a message of deep gratitude?
   
   From 1915 to 1934, the Marines occupy the country and control its finances. They appoint our leaders,  the directors of customs  and other positions of influence.
   
   Corrupt dictators and later, UN missions will serve as their substitutes.
   
   The wise Price-Mars had warned in vain of the danger that such occupations represent.
   
   
7. Foreign interference
   One would be well advised to be wary of a negotiation of diplomats self-proclaimed "Friends of Haiti". Committing to supporting, financing and certifying the electoral process, they do not hesitate to brandish the threat of sanctions, revocations of visas, even exile, if the results do not meet their expectations. This hypocritical attitude makes a mockery of the democracy that these diplomats preach to us when it suits them.
   
   
8. When will the crisis end?
   Your soil has been defiled many times by the boots of foreign soldiers. The year 2004 should have witnessed, however, the bicentenary of independence. Concerned by this blunder, patriots will have no consolation than to be indignant.
   
   Haitian people, raise your heads!
   
   Was a new occupation necessary? How many others will be, before the gods put an end to it?
   
   To our perennial socio-political unrest, let us find a long-awaited way out of the crisis, which reflects our cultural authenticity and the tenacious resolve of our ancestral souls.
   
   
9. Unity in the face of adversity: an imperative for survival
   The misfortune of January 12, 2010 exposed our weaknesses in the face of disasters. The images of union with the destitute only lasted the blink of an eye.
   
   When another major challenge comes, will we be stronger, united or divided when it comes to the demands of a suffering people?
   
   Can we expect the neighboring country to treat our poor better than we do? Gratified by the silence in the face of the abuses they inflict on them, many Dominicans do not miss the opportunity to inquire:
   
   "What protection do these negroes enjoy in the neighborhoods and paths of their own country?"
   
   
10. For a national renaissance: priorities and perspectives
    
    
    Dear heirs of Ayiti Toma,
    
    Let us write a new page of history where the law is applied fairly in solidarity with our brothers, whether they are doctors or cane cutters.
    
    Let us be inspired by the heroes who have made Africa proud.
    
    Let us remember the will of our ancestors who gave us a free country, watered with their blood.
    
    Let us embrace the collective wisdom of the heroes and heroines who founded the Nation and who still today make Africa proud, despite our present difficulties.
    
    
11. Politicians, put an end to sterile speeches!
    You must invest your attention in concrete projects that your constituents can enjoy. They would even be ready to assist you without expecting any particular benevolence from the State. The recently built Ouànaminthe canal offers you an example of the People's will to progress despite obstacles.
    
      Built by the local population in plain sight, with the financial assistance and moral support of the Haitian diaspora, the canal irrigates the fields and nourishes hope despite threats from the Dominican government.
    
    This project, born of a popular movement, has shown   that it is crucial that politicians prioritize concrete actions over sterile speeches. Guide and let yourselves be guided towards development projects, anchored in our cultural konbit.
    
    
12. Eradicating corruption: a major challenge
    It is imperative to promote good governance and integrity at all levels of public and private life.
    
    
13. Africa as a model: drawing inspiration from anti-corruption successes
    
    Given our cultural affinities with the peoples of several well-managed African countries, we can analyze the leadership principles that have transformed their societies and apply them judiciously to the Haitian context.
    Africa has a history of courageous leaders who boldly challenged corruption. They confronted entrenched systems and championed transparency and accountability, often at great personal cost. Here are some personalities of this ilk:
    
    * Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso): A revolutionary leader who implemented austerity measures, sold government luxury cars and reduced his own salary to fight corruption and promote social justice. His radical reforms ultimately led to his assassination.
    
    * Julius Nyerere (Tanzania): A socialist leader who emphasized self-reliance and ethical leadership. He introduced the Arusha Declaration and a leadership code to combat corruption and promote public service.
    
    * John Magufuli (Tanzania): Known for his aggressive anti-corruption approach, which advocated cutting unnecessary spending, disciplining civil servants and implementing accountability as well as strict measures.
    
    * Nelson Mandela (South Africa): Beyond his fight against apartheid, Mandela championed good governance and ethical leadership in post-apartheid South Africa. He supported institutions like the Public Protector to investigate corruption.
    
    * Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia): The first woman elected head of state in Africa, woman head of state, Sirleaf worked to rebuild Liberia after years of civil war and made significant progress in the fight against corruption.
    
    * President Paul Kagame has made the fight against corruption a top priority since coming to power. This strong leadership has been crucial in driving reforms and creating a culture of accountability. The government has demonstrated its commitment to fighting corruption at all levels, with prosecutions and convictions of senior officials.
    
    These include the leaders of stable and prosperous democracies in Botswana and Cape Verde.
    
    * Botswana has established a strong legal framework, including the Anti-Corruption Act. It emphasizes public sector integrity, requiring public officials to declare their assets. A culture of civic engagement and media freedom promotes accountability. The rigorous and transparent management of natural resources, such as diamond mines, benefits the entire population.
    
    * Cape Verde's political stability has allowed for the implementation of anti-corruption measures, including laws on transparency in public procurement and financial management. The active engagement of civil society further strengthens accountability.
    

    Their successes allow us to draw lessons from their experiences for Haiti:
     
    Strong Leadership:          Committed and honest leaders are essential.
     
    Strong Institutions:   Independent institutions are needed to ensure oversight and accountability.
     
    Public participation :  Citizen participation and transparency are paramount to holding leaders accountable.
     
    Essential education    to promote ethical values and raise awareness of the harmful effects of corruption.
    
    By drawing inspiration from these models and adapting successful strategies to its unique context, Haiti can fight corruption and build a more prosperous and equitable future.
    
    

14. Promote and protect investments that create jobs with a living wage
    
    
15. Systematically put an end to illegal arms traffickers and those who use them for criminal purposes
    
    
16. Promotion of agricultural development for a clear reduction of the dependence that invites foreign aid that perpetuates our state of dependence
    
    
17. Protection of the natural environment (our forests, rivers, lakes, coasts etc.)
    
    
18. Awareness campaign for all citizens on their rights and responsibilities
    
    
19. For the national renaissance
     It is important to continue to reflect on the root causes of the crisis and on possible solutions.
    
    
20. Let's start with these questions:  
    
    What are the historical, social, economic and political roots of the current situation in Haiti?
    
    How does insecurity affect the country's economy and its long-term development?
    
    How can Haitians abroad contribute to resolving the crisis?
    
    What actions can be taken, in the short and long term, to get Haiti out of this crisis?

Conclusion
Haiti, land of heroes and suffering, deserves a better future.   Let us break the chains of history,  overcome divisions and build together a future worthy of our ancestors.  May every Haitian, wherever he may be, feel invested with this mission. The time has come for action, so that pride may be reborn on the land of Ayiti Toma.

The road is long, fraught with pitfalls, but hope remains.  Haiti has overcome many trials,  it can still rise again.  Let us refuse fatality,   let us take our destiny into our own hands.  May everyone, at their own level,  contribute to the rebirth of Haiti: politicians through responsible governance,  the diaspora through its support and commitment,   and every citizen through their active participation in building a just and united society.

Let's dialogue in order to make good progress towards a better future. As foolish as it may seem, I embrace this hope.


Guy S. Antoine
Windows on Haiti
November 18, 2024

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