Haiti One Year On

A year on from the earthquake and Haiti remains in a state of almost perpetual flux. Many hoped the New Year would have heralded a new beginning and a new political situation that would promote investment and be the catalyst for infrastructure rebuilding; sadly little has changed for the thousands of displaced homeless that still inhabit the public spaces. These shanties, made of makeshift shelters and tents, are threatening to grow into townships commanding their own blend of justice and hierarchy.

The hopes of a nation were dashed towards the end of the year when the presidential election faltered amid allegations of corruption and vote rigging, despite the efforts of the international community. The increasing weight of the Haitian expat community, many who returned to cast vital votes, appear to be a driving force that includes some controversial figures from Haiti's not too distance past. It is no co-incidence that the political heavyweights are returning for a second bite given the lure of massive potential investment and with it, perhaps, an outside chance of absolution; it would appear that their support is increasing. From the post earthquake graffiti of 'Bring back Aristide', few could have predicted that we could see his return from exile. International sniping from the sidelines did not perturb Jean-Claude Duvalier, aka 'Baby Doc', from boldly presenting himself to the judges earlier in January. This brazen approach has made Haitian expats sit-up and realise that while Duvalier and Jean-Bertrand Aristide may not be the solution, they are answering the rally cry and offering hope to a nation that badly needs a leader to represent them and can shoulder the mantle of rebuilding Haiti and engaging with the international community (in particular France and the USA). Their return should encourage the business elite to follow and fill the void left by the 'classquake' that devastated the Port au Prince business community.

Much has been done to establish the structures needed to channel and cope with the financial tranches that a stable government will bring. Management consultants and financial institutes have all lent their expertise in the theory and gradual implementation of these structures, leaving the Ministries no doubt as to the road ahead. However, the Justice Department and Interior Ministry has yet to receive the attention needed to combat the levels of crime. While Duvalier is charged with embezzlement and corruption the irony is he could serve a sentence in a jail with no bars or stay under costly house arrest in conditions the average voter can only dream of. The police struggle to cope with the overwhelming task of reacting to public demand as well as the daily hunt for the numerous (approximately 4,000) prison escapees still at large and fuelling the ever increasing crime statistics. However, when the investment finally arrives there will be no shortage of volunteers to fill the ranks of the police or any other department. With many leading a 'hand to mouth' existence the prospect of a job and a wage is far off dream but one that they are willing to work towards.
 
In a year that has seen Haiti cope with an earthquake and its aftermath, a hurricane (Thomas), a cholera outbreak and an election, the resilience of the people and their drive in the face of adversity is incredible. Page Group has continued an uninterrupted service to for all its clients with the help of its dedicated international and local staff and thus remains a key employer to the local community and a support to the international effort.



Posted date 14-02-2011


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