Onus lies on Haitians not to remain ‘caged birds’

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The crisis in Haiti is synonymous with prolonged turmoil of political instability, militancy and flagrant corruption. Although Haiti being the first Caribbean black republic to have claimed independence from France due to a 13-year-long Haitian revolution on the January 1, 1804, it has visibly lost direction.

Once a nation idolised by leaders and nations as an aspiring republic, a nation destined to progress extensively under the leadership of its pioneers and forefathers. It was a glaring beacon of abolition, self determination and racial equality. Amongst several reasons, the social and economic development of the country is jeopardized by governance issues and fragility. According to the latest World Bank reports, Haiti ranks 163 out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index. Consequently, once considered a jewel, now the poorest country in the Caribbean and Latin America. The economy has contracted for four consecutive years. Further, current estimates suggest the poverty rate stands at 87 per cent.

Who would have ever conceived the notion that Haiti would have met such a fate when founded in the hardest of circumstances? The baffling circumstances in Haiti require extraordinary leadership and collaborative efforts as Haiti has failed to circumvent its persistent nuisances. There is a discernible need to reassign the UN stabilisation mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) working in tandem with Brazilian forces. This yielded astounding success in addressing the persistent onslaught of its people and resources despite its shortcomings.

In Michael Dziedzic and Robert M. Perito’s report, titled Haiti Confronting the Gangs of Port-au-Prince The United States Institute of Peace survey stated that ‘’ 67 per cent of those polled credited the UN mission for the improvement in their security situation.’’ Further, ‘’the US State Department’s Haiti Stabilization Initiative (HSI) in November 2007, found that 98 per cent of the residents of Cité Soleil , the epicentre of Haiti’s gang war, felt safer than they had six months earlier, and 85 per cent reported that they could conduct their daily activities, without fear of intimidation or extortion.

Kidnappings have dropped below 20 per cent of their previous levels. Sentiment towards MINUSTAH has improved dramatically as a result of the crackdown on gangs.’’ Despite attempts by other multinational forces, Brazilian military forces truly transformed the criminal landscape in Haiti during its mission. ‘’A report co-published by the Brazilian Armed Forces in 2017 stated that MINUSTAH had become “a global reference” for peacekeeping missions. Former force commander, Floriano Peixoto wrote that Brazil’s 13-year military presence in Haiti could be, “without a doubt, considered a very successful epic.” It is hoped that President Lula will reconsider his stance on Haiti once the UN revises policies surrounding controversial issues of the past which terribly dampen their impetus to recommence its operations in Haiti. Critically, the onus lies on Haitians to radically alter their mindset so as not remain a ‘’caged bird’’ within illusionary bars.

TARA HENRY