Haiti was brought up in the last presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Mr. Trump pandered for Haitian American votes and tried to act like he cares about helping Haiti. Sec. Clinton expressed the “Haiti is poor” narrative and this was also irksome eventhough I’m a Clinton supporter.
I’m not 100% sold on the “Clintons stealing from Haiti” stories, we need facts not rumors. I’ve also read articles about the Red Cross building six homes with the 2010 earthquake relief funds and the UN’s current occupation of Haiti crippling the country even more. Whether or not foreign investors cheat or do not really help Haiti, the truth is that Haiti must find someway to help itself.
Sure, the international community can invest and France should highly consider giving back what was exploited. However, the Haitian people have the capability and creativity to create. There’s lots of untapped potential to be found on that island. We can’t wait for others to help us while our culture and history is constantly milked into a single narrative of misery.
The way to change that perception is through our unity and strength. Like the motto in our flag says: L’Union Fait La Force. Government has to step up for the country and the people. Citizens inland and diaspora abroad need to regain our ability to revitalize our country.
It’s that simple…Ayisien, peyi nou nan men nou seulement. (Haitians our country is in our hands only)
Writer and blogger. Perspectiv.words Founder, Chief Editor, and Contributor. I write to speak out and uplift. I also share my views on current events, culture, history, or any topic that moves my fingers to a pen or to type.
