HAITI: Dawn of hope
View of houses in Port-au-Prince.
© Debra Percival
Haiti has endured more political and social turmoil than most nations since it won its independence in 1804. The frequent upheavals have undermined economic and social well being. Over 50% of the population lives on less than a dollar per day.
A degree of security has been put in place by the United Nations Stabilisation Force, MINUSTAH, since 2004. It means that the government can move forward with plans to re-start the economy and deliver to its people. Although lacking indigenous resources, it has trading potential surrounded by middle income countries, including the Dominican Republic on the same island of Hispaniola.
“The first condition for investment is peace and stability. That is why we have to put all our energy into maintaining peace and stability,” said President Préval at the annual opening of Parliament on 14 January 2008. International donors are on board with a mix of project and budget aid to underpin stability.
The dichotomies of this Caribbean country are many. Its statistics on poverty are brutal yet its astoundingly rich culture entrancing…
- HAITI: Dawn of hope
- Building on Stability
- “We’ve got to know who owns the land in this country”
- Haitian-Dominican relations and the media
- “We need irrigation, reforestation and inputs”
- Credit sought for business
- 10th EDF targets roads and governance
- Enticing tourists to an “incredible country’’
- Capturing the soul of Haiti: Sergine André
