CARICOM, Haiti Needs You

Beyond doubt, elections need to be held in Haiti and they need to be held soon. During this period of uncertainty and interim everything [for one, a government that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has rejected resoundingly] it has never been more important that Haiti move forward and have a participatory democracy. Similar to our goal of empowering donors and communities by requiring involvement in our projects, Haitians cannot take control of their lives until they take control of their representation in government. They can only do this by partisipating in next month’s elections.

In the aftermath, we can expect much heated debate as losing parties attempt to discredit the results and cry foul. No matter the quantity of observers and journalists dissention will persist. One such rallying point will be the role that CARICOM takes in the process and its stance on the outcome. Those who have called these elections a sham and a travesty have repeatedly cited CARICOM’s rejection of the Interim Government of Haiti as grounds for the return of President Aristide. Presumably, the values of Haiti’s neighbors should mirror those of Haiti the closest, unlike its daunting and ever-present big brother to the north. But while this dispute will persist to no end, the people of Haiti will continue to suffer from the insecurity and turmoil that wrack the country.

To facilitate Haiti’s return to order and development, CARICOM should resolve to support the elections (baring no unforeseen tragedy of process) and rally behind their results. Haitians need the support of their neighbors more so now than ever. The AIDS epidemic continues to spread unabated. Foreign direct investment is at an all time low ($3 million USD as of September 2005) and the economy continues to shrink.

While it is not the responsibility of CARICOM to validate these elections, their participation will signal to many Haitians the perceptions of their neighbors and Haitians may choose to accept or refute the elections accordingly. Successful elections will be the first step to a number of positive reforms that will pave the way for greater equality and a better standard of life. (Not to mention a possible preferential trade agreement with the US, see Haiti Innovation News, Nov. 11, 2005 Senate HERO Offers More Than Just HOPE).

Robert Miller
Haiti Innovation