|
| |
 |
|
 |
 |
My Dream for Haiti (December 2005)
From the founder, Jean
Elade Eloi
We cannot give up on Haiti. Giving up on Haiti means giving
up on the people of Haiti. Although it seems that insecurity
is ubiquitous in Haiti and paranoia about "people" being out
to get you is common, I do not believe that sentiment reflects
a whole nation-a prideful nation where its citizens toil every
day to survive and take care of their children.
In Haiti, people are living in conditions that the outside world
cannot imagine. Joblessness is perpetual. Good health
care is unimaginable. Education is unattainable for the
masses. Is it surprising that the frustration levels of
the poorest of the poor have reached a zenith and a few people
choose to terrorize a country? If these people believe
that there is hope after tomorrow-that their children will go
to school, their families will not go hungry every day, and
their health will improve-they will stop the violence and the
terror. If this happens, then Haiti can become the Haiti
of old: where children can play on the streets without worrying
about being kidnapped, street vendors can sit at their stations
to sell their goods, and young men and women can congregate
and discuss different bands and the best "chansonnettes francaises"
(French songs). Will Haiti experience that lifestyle again?
Or have we given up on Haiti?
Will Haiti again be a place where we want to spend Christmas
Eve and New Year's Eve on the streets with our friends without
worrying about violence and robbery? Haiti can be a place
that is once again cherished by its people, wherever they are.
It can be a place where one can feel welcome and loved; it can
be a place where security reigns. Haiti's leaders will
eventually rise to the challenge of a situation that is deteriorating
everyday and decide to do something positive for the country.
When they do, they will embrace the challenges and they will
give the people a reason to hope. They will put forth
plans for both short and long term, and they will collaborate
with other neighboring countries and seek advice on how to get
out of the mire of 200 years of troubles. The international
community will not wait for something terrible to happen, give
quick help, and get out as soon as possible, as has occurred
in the past. Not this time. The international community
will be engaged, and Haiti's leaders will seek advice and assistance
and still keep their dignity. Haiti will change, but patience
is of utmost importance.
The Haitian diaspora must believe that a successful Haiti is
in their best interest. They must not sit and criticize,
but they must take necessary action to help however they can.
Every Haitian must be part of the solution. Together we
will take Haiti from where it is today-a place of fear and desperation
that gives visitors chills down their spines to a place where
tourism will once again be a part of the tradition and culture.
Haiti was the pearl of the islands, and it can be again, but
work must be done. Yesterday. I will never give up on
my brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, and friends-the people
that I long to be around, joke with, play with, and share everyday
with. In the Haiti of my dreams, smiles will be on people's
faces and joy will reign in their hearts. Children will
be able to go to school, and parents will not have to sacrifice
their lives to make that happen. Education will not be
a privilege but a right for every child. Health will be
improved for everyone because, through partnerships and good
planning and management, people will be able to obtain good
health care. Haiti's reputation will not be that of the
poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but one that is visited
often and is a model of what good government, good planning,
good management, and the good hearts of determined people represent.
I often dream of that Haiti, and I plan for that Haiti.
We are not there yet, but we will get there. That is my
prayer, and that is my hope for Haiti.
Jean Elade Eloi
|
|
|
