Byenvini Good Governance, Lagè Politics (Haiti Innovation Pop Quiz)

POP QUIZ! Which of the following scenarios are relevant to Haiti’s development?

1) How to encourage the development of credible and accountable public servants.

2) Continuing accusations as to the departure of President Aristide.

3) Debating past election results.

4) Implementing education reform that teaches responsibility/equality

5) Throwing rocks and burning tires

6) a and d

7) All of the above

The only semi-structured rule that we have maintained for our discussions on Haiti’s development has been NO POLITICS. Injecting politics into the development process is akin to having Budweiser show off their upcoming product line at AA meetings. At best it is counterproductive, at worst it is destructive.

However, the irony is that development on a large scale is not possible without good governance. Without credible, accountable, public leaders, development will be a series of false starts and wasted dollars. The question then becomes, how do you have a serious discussion on good governance while avoiding the mud slinging usually associated with politics?

First, there needs to be an honest, open debate on the current state of governance in Haiti and the challenges it faces in the future, and this must be done devoid of any agenda. What I mean is that this cannot be a debate that ends with, “and that is why you should vote for me.” We cannot allow this debate to become politicized if real change is to occur.

Second, put the focus on education. Institutional reform (and good governance is institutional reform at its core) can not take place without proper education and training.

Finally, the Diaspora and Haitian leaders must play the prominent role in this reform. Through Haiti Innovation, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a number of highly qualified, credible Haitian leaders. It is time for them to stand up and let their ideas be heard.

My hope is that there were not many people who answered anything but (f) to the opening question. However, I realize that when these choices are presented in the real world, the answers aren’t always as evident. Good governance is one, if not the, most challenging problems facing Haiti today. Implementing change will not be easy, but we need to start somewhere, and we need to start now.