THE HAITIAN DIASPORA – THE ONLY WINNER IN THE SUMMIT IN JAMAICA:

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By: Jacqueline Desrosiers

It started with the Louisiana Summit two years ago when members of the Haitian Diaspora under the leadership of HDPAC (Haitian Diaspora Political Action) Committee) organized the first and only Summit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in an attempt to provide a secure platform for the antagonists to work out their differences and come out with a solution. Though reasonable minds may differ, the Louisiana Summit was a success. It provides a blueprint for the Haitian Diaspora to continue pushing for a solution that includes the voices of the Haitian Diaspora.

This blueprint continues with the participation of the Haitian Diaspora in the Jamaica Summit held June 10-13 in Kingston, Jamaica. The Summit was organized by CARICOM, a regional international organization of which Haiti is a member. CARICOM invited COODAH (Coalition Des Organizations de la Diaspora) to represent the Haitian Diaspora.

Under the leadership of Pierre Raymond Andre, president of the organization, once again, the voice of the Haitian Diaspora was clear, concise, and authoritative. The Haitian civil society and many segments of Haiti’s political landscape understand that no solution is possible without the Haitian Diaspora. 

The Jamaica Summit was an admirable attempt to develop a sustainable solution allowing the country to come out of this morass. Instead of blaming each other, the Haitian Diaspora laid the path toward a good solution. Mr. Pierre Andre, the president of COODHA, clearly 

shared and explained the vision of the Haitian Diaspora for Haiti. 

In addressing the participants, the President of COODHA states: “We would like to thank the Organizing Committee of CARICOM for the invitation and the opportunity for all sectors of the national life, in particular the Haitian Diaspora, to gather around this table for a frank, open and sincere dialogue which could bring us to a consensus for the resolution of the crisis in Haiti.”

“A crisis characterized by banditry, insecurity, unemployment, misery, environmental degradation, and the continuous deterioration of the gourdes (Haiti’s official currency) and without forgetting justice for the Haitian people for the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse on the night of July 6 to 7, 2021.”

“I would also and above all, like to thank the international community for sending an important signal to the Haitian Nation by imposing sanctions on former corrupt leaders, especially the last one, which was unexpected but well received. We have lost many people who were dear to us because they dared to ask the daring question: “Kote kòb Petro Karibe a” (“Where is the Petro Caribe money?)” continued Mr. André.

Faced with the crisis, the Haitian Diaspora, through its representatives, offered these suggestions:

1. The dismantling of armed groups in the country.
2. The formation of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) with the Participation of the Diaspora.
3. The strengthening of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) and the National Police of Haiti (PNH).
4. The establishment of a vast program of social appeasement to alleviate the misery of the people.
5. The establishment of an Advisory Council, including members of the Haitian Diaspora in concert with the Government, to carry out the constitutional reform desired by all sectors.

At this time, the Haitian Diaspora must consolidate its efforts and power behind the leadership of COODAH to ensure that we continue to speak with one voice. Unity is essential, and this paper encourages all Haitian Diaspora organizations to stand together for Haiti. It is time to put aside all personal interests and focus on what is in the best interest of Haiti.

Under the leadership of Dr. Georges J. Casimir, HDPAC paved the way. Now, the Haitian Diaspora can rest assured that under the supervision of a younger generation, COODAH will continue what the older generation started.