ARTICLE - SYMPOSIUM ON ROLE OF NGO's

MESSAGE FROM LAURENT LAMOTHE AT THE SYMPOSIUM ON THE ROLE OF NGOs
(Haiti Libre) - On the occasion of the International Symposium on the Role of NGOs in Haiti, which was held in Montreal June 15, 2012, at the Plaza Hotel Holiday Inn, around the theme "The role of NGOs in Haiti: between good and evil", the Prime Minister delivered a recorded message at this event.

"Let me first thank the organizers of this conference for the invitation made to me, to express my opinion on the role of NGOs in Haiti. I would like at the outset, to say that I greatly appreciate the international solidarity and the contribution of NGOs in the economy of a country like Haiti plagued by difficulties of all kinds. In many cases, the activism of NGOs in Haiti, helped fight against extreme poverty and social exclusion. However, when the activities of NGOs are not subject to any control of the Haitian state and, that these activities are not executed by taking into account the government's action plan and priorities of the state, the contribution of NGOs can be harmful and even counter-productive.

When international aid is channeled mainly through NGOs at the expense of the State to which we do not trust, the result is only the weakening of the government's ability to meet its responsibilities [...]

My Government would like to encourage the international community to review its practices as the least efficient and unfair, for Haiti. If we trust in the democratically elected authorities, the best approach is to channel aid through the Government of Haiti, while demanding of course, a flawless transparency. Channeling aid directly towards the government, is to help more quickly the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and the establishment of social protection programs and others...

Moreover, there is the necessity today to make a complete inventory of the NGOs operating in Haiti, and to evaluate their performance in their respective field of activity. Ultimately, these NGOs must apply themselves to the exercise of guiding their actions and resources towards sectors prioritized by the Haitian government.

Pending the implementation of reform on the operation of NGOs, I want to announce that my government intends to require of them, that they show firstly a greater transparency; this is the key of development in Haiti.

To repeat the old adage, "Solidarity poorly ordered never profits"; the international solidarity in Haiti must occur first in the confidence made to its leaders, and I invite all stakeholders to trust the Martelly-Lamothe government.

In less than a month of my taking office let me tell you, that things are going well, we made a good start. Indeed today, it is in a calmer political climate, a more serene social environment, which is calmer and appeased. The government is working hard on transparency, day and night, during the week and on weekends, to put Haiti on the path of sustainable development.

The task that awaits us will be hard, but we will be at the rendezvous of history.

Thank you for your attention and a good symposium to all, and thank you for this opportunity, Nancy Roc."