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Six months later
Posted in: Blog by Leo Johnson on July 9, 2010
Within 4 days of the earthquake in Haiti, over $150 million was raised. In fact, that was just the beginning of the hundreds of millions to be raised around the world to restore a sense of dignity to the people of Haiti. Everyone knew that no amount of money could account for the loss of lives during the quake; rather people were hopeful that the world would finally come to the aid of Haiti like never before. Indeed, the world responded in an unprecedented manner. Even developing countries were willing to forget about their plights for a moment and do something to help the Haitian people.
But here we are, six months later. The world is watching while Haitians are dying from a lack of food, clean water, shelter and a host of other problems. In the midst of such a disaster it was difficult to make sense of it all, but despite the enormous amount of money raised, I was never hopeful to begin with. Here’s why….
Applying the same method many times doesn’t change the results
For some reason, Western countries often believe that they are the only ones in charge. They tend to see everyone else as inferiors who have no say in the solutions to their problems. At the development conference in Quebec following the earthquake former US president Bill Clinton was named to head the development efforts in Haiti. I felt ashamed when the government of the United States and other Western parties supported such appointment on grounds that Clinton held his honeymoon in Haiti and so he understands the situation there. I have nothing against former president Clinton; in fact, I am a long time admirer of his bluntness and commitment. But the task of spearheading the development of Haiti and restoring a sense of human dignity belongs to someone who lives, walks and works with the people. To someone who has a sense of belonging rather than vacationing. Besides, the conference in Quebec deliberately excluded Haitians from the dialogue with regards to the development of Haiti. Instead, the result of the conference mandated Western organizations and governments to come up with a plan that they thought was needed for Haiti.
Corruption claims
I have heard this every single time the government of Haiti is mentioned, as if the situation is not the same in Canada and else where. From the e-health scandal in Ontario, to the G8/G20 summit recently, corruption on the grand scale has been the order of the day in Canada. To use that as an excuse for delay in helping the Haitian people is unacceptable. Why do we still need the government when we have agencies that have been working in Haiti for over 40 years? Why are there no partnerships with local communities in Haiti? Don’t get me wrong, we need the government doing their part, but we do not need the government of Haiti to help local communities. The permission granted to the numerous agencies and organizations working in Haiti bears witness to the fact that there should be no excuse whatsoever for the lack of results.
Plan and strategy from the Government
As of now, people are still clearing rubble from the earthquake while they live in massive tent cities. Apparently the international community is not willing to give a dime to the government until they receive a plan and execution strategy from the government of Haiti. Based on history, I think it’s safe to say good luck getting a plan. Besides, trying to develop a Western style model of development in Haiti is a waste of time and energy. True development is not the construction of tall buildings and massive shopping malls. Haitians have already proven that they possess the will and strength to face their fears. They do not need us to solve their problems. What they need is a true partnership from the West, one that will empower local communities and ordinary Haitians to apply practical solutions as they see fit.
It is time to stop the political debate and get to work with Haitians in their time of need. If we can trust our corrupt officials by keeping them in power, why not trust local communities in Haiti? I am glad that money is no longer the issue. The real problems that must be faced are our inability to see Haitians as partners, our disrespect for humanity, our self righteousness and our greed.
Let us give Haitians the opportunity to have a say in their future and the future of their children. For once, let us speak softer and listen harder, let us be partners and not bosses because it is only in honesty and true partnership where we will truly be able to help the Haitian people.
