ARTICLE - DIASPORA SPEECH - VILLEDROUIN

SPEECH BY STEPHANIE BALMIR VILLEDROUIN TO THE DIASPORA
(Haiti Libre) -

Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism, at the request of Daniel Supplice, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, gave a speech this Monday, April 16, 2012, on the occasion of the opening of the week of the diaspora.

Speech by Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, Minister of Tourism :

"[...] It is with pleasure that I am with you this morning. Welcome to our brothers and sisters of the diaspora; you who had the chance to regain the homeland to celebrate this week,... and a big hello to all those who were held back by their obligations and could not be here, I'm sure, to follow the important work of this week organized by the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad.

I had to say when I took office, I repeated it in my first official travel in Canada to meet the Community, and I will affirm it in a few days in Guadeloupe:

The compatriots abroad have as the first target, the Ministry of Tourism, as it is true that as the first ambassadors of the IMAGE change that we want to implement are through those who every day in their heart, whatever the quality of their homeland, whatever the news that the media provides them, think and keep an attachment to our beloved Haiti.

So today, since I have the opportunity to specify one again the objectives of our government when it talks about change, and those of the tourism sector when it speaks of a new image, I repeat with force and determination:

To succeed in projecting the image of a Haiti that is open for Tourism and to business opportunities, we need to convince our nationals abroad, because they are OUR DOMESTIC MARKET, just like those living in the country.

Gain their confidence, that for their holidays they have several choices of safe tourism tours; that is our first objective.

This is because it gives a preference to the country, and their neighbors, their colleagues abroad will also want to come to see what is different and genuine in this destination that is so special.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, I must tell you that our efforts are rewarded. Just look at these great sites that rise in the metropolitan area to understand that the hotel infrastructure meets the promises announced earlier this year, and see the efforts of operators in the different provinces: Jacmel, Côte des Arcadins, Port-Salut, Cap Haïtien; to realize the dynamism of the sector that is preparing to return with dignity on the tourist map of a Caribbean that is increasingly sought.

I say again, welcome, and the Ministry of Tourism joins forces with the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad, for the great cause of building the confidence of our nationals. It is with them that we will change our image in the media, and reposition our country.

Thank you again for your presence in such large numbers, to support and convey the highlights of this week.

Have a nice stay, thank you."