HAITI AID GROUP WARNS OF CHOLERA SURGE ON EVE OF RAINY SEASON
(Washington Post) - By AP
PORT-AU-PRINCE — A Haiti aid group warns on the eve of the rainy season that the Caribbean nation will likely see a surge in cholera cases.
Paul Farmer of the Boston-based group Partners in Health writes in an email Friday that Haiti could see a spike like the one that occurred last year.
The number of cholera cases nearly tripled from almost 19,000 last April to more than 50,000 two months later.
Partners in Health will launch a vaccination campaign in the coming weeks to stem the spread of the waterborne disease.
Haiti has the highest cholera infection rate in the world. Health officials say more than 7,000 people have died and another 522,000 have fallen ill since the disease surfaced in Haiti months after the January 2010 earthquake.
Monday, February 27, 2012
ARTICLE - SOUTHWEST - EYE SURGERIES
FREE EYE SURGERIES, CUBANS IN THE SOUTHWEST
(Haiti Libre) -
The Ophthalmology unit, "Operation Miracle", which was previously stationed in Gonaives, was moved by helicopter to Jérémie to the Saint-Antoine Hospital, in the department of Grand Anse [Haiti's southwest ], to serve a predominantly rural population of 425,000 inhabitants.
The surgical unit also has a clinical laboratory, and optometry instruments. The operating room was established by Cuban specialists in under four hours, and will be in service next Monday.
Dr. Jorge Casas, Head of the Department of Grand'Anse for the Cuban medical brigade, stressed the importance for low-income people to obtain free eye care. "We stay for three months in each department and try to assist and cover all the needs of people who come to the eye clinic, as well as cases in remote areas, with mobile clinics conducted on the weekend."
During this period, the team will provide assistance in the region where there are many patients, and an abundance of glaucoma and corneal foreign bodies. The eye surgeons, believe they will do an average of 75 surgeries per week of cataract and pterygium, the diseases most commonly encountered.
(Haiti Libre) -
The Ophthalmology unit, "Operation Miracle", which was previously stationed in Gonaives, was moved by helicopter to Jérémie to the Saint-Antoine Hospital, in the department of Grand Anse [Haiti's southwest ], to serve a predominantly rural population of 425,000 inhabitants.
The surgical unit also has a clinical laboratory, and optometry instruments. The operating room was established by Cuban specialists in under four hours, and will be in service next Monday.
Dr. Jorge Casas, Head of the Department of Grand'Anse for the Cuban medical brigade, stressed the importance for low-income people to obtain free eye care. "We stay for three months in each department and try to assist and cover all the needs of people who come to the eye clinic, as well as cases in remote areas, with mobile clinics conducted on the weekend."
During this period, the team will provide assistance in the region where there are many patients, and an abundance of glaucoma and corneal foreign bodies. The eye surgeons, believe they will do an average of 75 surgeries per week of cataract and pterygium, the diseases most commonly encountered.
ARTICLE - ZORANJE - 400 HOUSING UNITS
400 HOMES IN ZORANJE, INAUGURATED TODAY
(Haiti Libre) -
President Martelly will inaugurate today, Monday 27 February 2012, the project of 400 houses in Zoranje, initiated on June 12, 2011 by the Head of State, who had declared at the ceremony of the laying of the first stone; "It is a day of hope for the Haitian people, hope to rebuild Haiti [...] this project is the signal of our determination to build new sustainable communities [...] the signal that shows that the country will regain its ability to put people back to work, and that local businesses will be able to become more involved in reconstruction."
Built in Zoranje, on a land of 6.8 hectares these sustainable housing units, meet the urban and seismic standards, and aims, according to the President "to improve the quality of life for low-income families, affected by the earthquake of January 12."
This project, totaling 30 million dollars funded by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), is part of a program in 3 phases, to build a total of 2,000 units in the departments of the West, North East and South. The project was coordinated by the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) [Government of Haiti], supported by a steering committee comprising several stakeholders in health, education, the Ministry of Planning, and institutions like DINEPA.
It has been necessary to wait a little more than the 100 days originally planned for this project, as it will be surely emphasized by critical observers, but what matters most to the beneficiaries is that the promise was kept.
(Haiti Libre) -
President Martelly will inaugurate today, Monday 27 February 2012, the project of 400 houses in Zoranje, initiated on June 12, 2011 by the Head of State, who had declared at the ceremony of the laying of the first stone; "It is a day of hope for the Haitian people, hope to rebuild Haiti [...] this project is the signal of our determination to build new sustainable communities [...] the signal that shows that the country will regain its ability to put people back to work, and that local businesses will be able to become more involved in reconstruction."
Built in Zoranje, on a land of 6.8 hectares these sustainable housing units, meet the urban and seismic standards, and aims, according to the President "to improve the quality of life for low-income families, affected by the earthquake of January 12."
This project, totaling 30 million dollars funded by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), is part of a program in 3 phases, to build a total of 2,000 units in the departments of the West, North East and South. The project was coordinated by the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) [Government of Haiti], supported by a steering committee comprising several stakeholders in health, education, the Ministry of Planning, and institutions like DINEPA.
It has been necessary to wait a little more than the 100 days originally planned for this project, as it will be surely emphasized by critical observers, but what matters most to the beneficiaries is that the promise was kept.
ARTICLE - PUNTA CANA - COMMUNITY
HAITIAN MINISTER MAYARD-PAUL WITNESSES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN PUNTA CANA
(PRNewswire) - Haiti Ministry of the Interior
Attends Primary Rural Clinic Inauguration, which Serves 60% Haitian Patients; Discusses Potential Collaboration for Community Programs in Tourism Destinations
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic - Haiti's Minister of the Interior and Chief of Staff, Thierry Mayard-Paul, representing Haiti's President Michel Martelly, attended the inauguration of the Rural Clinic of Veron in Punta Cana, the only primary care facility serving the local community, where 60 percent of its patients are Haitians. Dominican businessman Frank Rainieri, president of the Punta Cana Group and whose PUNTACANA Foundation led to the reconstruction of the clinic, a representative from the Dominican Ministry of Health, as well as the clinic's medical director, were on hand at the inauguration.
"The Veron clinic is an excellent example of social infrastructure projects that make decentralization a reality," said Mayard-Paul. "These are the types of projects that we need to promote in Haiti's heartland so that people can stay in their hometowns, have access to primary social services, and local economies can thrive."
The populations of Veron and the surrounding communities have grown dramatically in recent years as the region has become one of the Caribbean's top tourist destinations. Today Punta Cana welcomes five times as many visitors as just five years ago. While the creation of jobs and economic opportunity are positives, the pace of growth has far outstripped the capacity of the existing medical and educational facilities. "The clinic is just one element of a holistic program, which seeks to improve the community and the quality of life of all its residents and the surrounding areas," said Rainieri. "The initiative includes educational, environmental and health programs, and integrates the entire population so we can continue to provide excellent service both to our tourists who feed our families, as well as to our people who take care of them."
The Rural Clinic of Veron is financed and managed by a private-public partnership, which includes the PUNTACANA Foundation; Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia; the Dominican Ministry of Public Health and Veron's Neighborhood Association. Mayard-Paul highlighted that these are the type of innovative financing and operation programs that the Haitian government, through the Ministry of the Interior, seeks to put in place, "because they integrate all the actors working toward a common goal, shared responsibility and benefits for everyone."
Mayard-Paul and Rainieri, who is also a member of Haiti's Presidential Advisory Council on Economic Growth and Investment, also discussed potential cooperation in Haiti for further decentralization, including community and eco-friendly programs in tourism destinations.
(PRNewswire) - Haiti Ministry of the Interior
Attends Primary Rural Clinic Inauguration, which Serves 60% Haitian Patients; Discusses Potential Collaboration for Community Programs in Tourism Destinations
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic - Haiti's Minister of the Interior and Chief of Staff, Thierry Mayard-Paul, representing Haiti's President Michel Martelly, attended the inauguration of the Rural Clinic of Veron in Punta Cana, the only primary care facility serving the local community, where 60 percent of its patients are Haitians. Dominican businessman Frank Rainieri, president of the Punta Cana Group and whose PUNTACANA Foundation led to the reconstruction of the clinic, a representative from the Dominican Ministry of Health, as well as the clinic's medical director, were on hand at the inauguration.
"The Veron clinic is an excellent example of social infrastructure projects that make decentralization a reality," said Mayard-Paul. "These are the types of projects that we need to promote in Haiti's heartland so that people can stay in their hometowns, have access to primary social services, and local economies can thrive."
The populations of Veron and the surrounding communities have grown dramatically in recent years as the region has become one of the Caribbean's top tourist destinations. Today Punta Cana welcomes five times as many visitors as just five years ago. While the creation of jobs and economic opportunity are positives, the pace of growth has far outstripped the capacity of the existing medical and educational facilities. "The clinic is just one element of a holistic program, which seeks to improve the community and the quality of life of all its residents and the surrounding areas," said Rainieri. "The initiative includes educational, environmental and health programs, and integrates the entire population so we can continue to provide excellent service both to our tourists who feed our families, as well as to our people who take care of them."
The Rural Clinic of Veron is financed and managed by a private-public partnership, which includes the PUNTACANA Foundation; Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia; the Dominican Ministry of Public Health and Veron's Neighborhood Association. Mayard-Paul highlighted that these are the type of innovative financing and operation programs that the Haitian government, through the Ministry of the Interior, seeks to put in place, "because they integrate all the actors working toward a common goal, shared responsibility and benefits for everyone."
Mayard-Paul and Rainieri, who is also a member of Haiti's Presidential Advisory Council on Economic Growth and Investment, also discussed potential cooperation in Haiti for further decentralization, including community and eco-friendly programs in tourism destinations.
ARTICLE - CRED - DEVELOPMENT - TECHNOLOGIES
3RD CRED FORUM ON THE THEME OF DEVELOPMENT AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
(Haiti Libre) -
The Centre of Reflection, Education and Debate (CRED) held its third departmental forum of the Southeast last Saturday, February 25 at the Eco Hotel of Orangers, around the theme "New Technologies: Development Tools, at the service of the integration of young people." Around 80 young people from several different organizations of the various communes of the Southeast participated in this forum.
In his presentation, the journalist Godson Pierre, the main speaker of the forum outlined some principles related to New Information and communications technology (ICT), and Sustainable Development "To be sustainable, the development must take into account the principle of integration. A global and sectoral approach, which must consider simultaneously the various dimensions of its impact, both economically, socially and environmentally;" also highlighting other principles, such as proximity, solidarity and responsibility. "In Haiti, the situation is clear, factories only produce plastics, and increase their economic income. They do not care about the effects and secondary impacts on the environment," declared the reporter who asserted that "development is not possible, if everyone does not assume their responsibilities."
Speaking of ICT, Peter Godson, said he was aware of the importance and benefits of ICT in the context of global development. More than 2 billion people today use the internet, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). In 2000, only 500 million people had access to a phone and 250 million to internet. 10 years later, nearly 5 billion people have used a phone. These figures clearly show the evolution of a globalized world with new technologies, said the journalist who pointed out that in Haiti, from the year 2004, the number of Internet users was 80,000 while in 2011 this number was about 1 million, or 10% of the population.
Dieudonne Jean Laurent, President of CRED, at the end of this forum, told local press that this series of forums, was held within the framework of a process of dialogue between young people across the country, to develop with the various youth organizations, a synergy to influence the authorities to take steps to strengthen our institutions in society. Number one of CRED calls for stability in the country, and intends to pursue the goal of his institution. He estimates that Haiti needs devoted youth, mature and integrated, capable of influencing the country's leaders to act in the interests of the Nation.
After the forum in the South-East department, the North, including the city of Cap Haitien, will be the next beneficiary department.
Nikenson Saint-Jean, vice President of CRED, has given a formal guarantee to the participants that at the end of these forums, a document will be developed with the demands of the youth and will be presented to the government at all levels. The results of this work will be a plea to require managers of the country, to assume their responsibilities vis-à-vis the population, especially to young people, who constitute the majority.
The project coordinator has announced the organization of a national forum in Port-au-Prince, on March 24. CRED has the technical support of the human rights organization, and Democracy, in the organization of its forums.
(Haiti Libre) -
The Centre of Reflection, Education and Debate (CRED) held its third departmental forum of the Southeast last Saturday, February 25 at the Eco Hotel of Orangers, around the theme "New Technologies: Development Tools, at the service of the integration of young people." Around 80 young people from several different organizations of the various communes of the Southeast participated in this forum.
In his presentation, the journalist Godson Pierre, the main speaker of the forum outlined some principles related to New Information and communications technology (ICT), and Sustainable Development "To be sustainable, the development must take into account the principle of integration. A global and sectoral approach, which must consider simultaneously the various dimensions of its impact, both economically, socially and environmentally;" also highlighting other principles, such as proximity, solidarity and responsibility. "In Haiti, the situation is clear, factories only produce plastics, and increase their economic income. They do not care about the effects and secondary impacts on the environment," declared the reporter who asserted that "development is not possible, if everyone does not assume their responsibilities."
Speaking of ICT, Peter Godson, said he was aware of the importance and benefits of ICT in the context of global development. More than 2 billion people today use the internet, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). In 2000, only 500 million people had access to a phone and 250 million to internet. 10 years later, nearly 5 billion people have used a phone. These figures clearly show the evolution of a globalized world with new technologies, said the journalist who pointed out that in Haiti, from the year 2004, the number of Internet users was 80,000 while in 2011 this number was about 1 million, or 10% of the population.
Dieudonne Jean Laurent, President of CRED, at the end of this forum, told local press that this series of forums, was held within the framework of a process of dialogue between young people across the country, to develop with the various youth organizations, a synergy to influence the authorities to take steps to strengthen our institutions in society. Number one of CRED calls for stability in the country, and intends to pursue the goal of his institution. He estimates that Haiti needs devoted youth, mature and integrated, capable of influencing the country's leaders to act in the interests of the Nation.
After the forum in the South-East department, the North, including the city of Cap Haitien, will be the next beneficiary department.
Nikenson Saint-Jean, vice President of CRED, has given a formal guarantee to the participants that at the end of these forums, a document will be developed with the demands of the youth and will be presented to the government at all levels. The results of this work will be a plea to require managers of the country, to assume their responsibilities vis-à-vis the population, especially to young people, who constitute the majority.
The project coordinator has announced the organization of a national forum in Port-au-Prince, on March 24. CRED has the technical support of the human rights organization, and Democracy, in the organization of its forums.
ARTICLE - 5 U.S. CONGRESSMEN VISIT
POSITIVE VISIT OF 5 U.S. CONGRESSMEN
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, received Friday, February 24, at the National Palace, a U.S. congressional delegation composed of the honorable Senators Patrick Leahy (Democrat - Vermont), Richard Shelby (Republican - Alabama), Chris Coons (Democrat - Delaware), Xavier Becerra (Democrat - California), and Peter Welch (Democrat - Vermont), who are visiting Haiti in order to review the situation, and the political stability, to have a better understanding of government priorities and evaluate projects funded by the United States. The Head of State presented the achievements to date of the Government in the areas of education, the relocation of victims of January 12, 2010, the rule of law, and food security programs.
At this meeting, the Head of State reassured the delegation members regarding the nomination process, and of the ratification of a new Prime Minister following the resignation of Dr. Garry Conille. The course of the upcoming elections, and the establishment of the rule of law in Haiti were also the focus of discussions.
For their part, the members of the delegation expressed their willingness to support President Martelly in his efforts to improve the living conditions of the Haitian people. The U.S. parliamentarians have promised a technical assistance in terms of technology, agriculture, energy, education and the fight against voter fraud.
Following this meeting, the Head of State declared "[...] I think they have come out very satisfied with today's meeting [...] they have seen changes. In their eyes they already feel the change, without even having spent 5-10 days in Haiti... They see, they sense, the will of the team. Many members of the governmental team intervened, and the meeting was very positive, and we thank the fact, that not only were they encouraging us with words that were really strong, but they promised us a continuous support to Haiti, toward the Haitian people. They are aware of our problems [...] they are committed, whether in education, or in housing, to assist us to find how we can bring relief to the Haitian people..."
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, received Friday, February 24, at the National Palace, a U.S. congressional delegation composed of the honorable Senators Patrick Leahy (Democrat - Vermont), Richard Shelby (Republican - Alabama), Chris Coons (Democrat - Delaware), Xavier Becerra (Democrat - California), and Peter Welch (Democrat - Vermont), who are visiting Haiti in order to review the situation, and the political stability, to have a better understanding of government priorities and evaluate projects funded by the United States. The Head of State presented the achievements to date of the Government in the areas of education, the relocation of victims of January 12, 2010, the rule of law, and food security programs.
At this meeting, the Head of State reassured the delegation members regarding the nomination process, and of the ratification of a new Prime Minister following the resignation of Dr. Garry Conille. The course of the upcoming elections, and the establishment of the rule of law in Haiti were also the focus of discussions.
For their part, the members of the delegation expressed their willingness to support President Martelly in his efforts to improve the living conditions of the Haitian people. The U.S. parliamentarians have promised a technical assistance in terms of technology, agriculture, energy, education and the fight against voter fraud.
Following this meeting, the Head of State declared "[...] I think they have come out very satisfied with today's meeting [...] they have seen changes. In their eyes they already feel the change, without even having spent 5-10 days in Haiti... They see, they sense, the will of the team. Many members of the governmental team intervened, and the meeting was very positive, and we thank the fact, that not only were they encouraging us with words that were really strong, but they promised us a continuous support to Haiti, toward the Haitian people. They are aware of our problems [...] they are committed, whether in education, or in housing, to assist us to find how we can bring relief to the Haitian people..."
ARTICLE - FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
RESUME OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
(Haiti Libre) -
Resume of the Meeting
On friday, February 24, 2012, at approximately 9:30 am, the Foreign Affairs Committee, at the request of Guy Gérard Georges, the President of the Commission, held a meeting. After words of welcome from the President of the Commission, along with other members, it was the turn of the guests to introduce themselves; the Ministers Laurent Lamothe of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Daniel Supplice of Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) along with Directors General, Nixon Myrtil for the MFA, Joseph L. Augustine of MHAVE and Mr. Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet for the Chancellor.
The President of the Commission stated that this meeting was intended to learn about the operation of these ministries, embassies and consulates and to know how was the evolving situation of Haitians living abroad.
"It is for the Commission to collect a certain amount of information and to report this to the Assembly of Deputies. It wishes to have accurate information [...] and manifests the desire to develop sincere relationships with both Ministries, which it has a relational charge"
Regarding the functioning of embassies and consulates, Chancellor Lamothe handed to the President two documents explaining the new Government strategy and reforms that are underway for privileged local services such as: the opening of Consulates on Saturday and home services for the disabled and the elderly. He said that the ambassadors have a duty for results by promoting the country and that they are able to bring at least two delegations of businessmen to Haiti [annually], by making available funds to achieve this goal.
"At missions abroad, we are searching for more efficiency by reducing expenses. Having Honorary Consuls on the principle of reciprocity in various countries, and the appointment of individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors for their commitments and reputation. We want the Consulates to become centers of strategic promotion, and not places for passport delivery. In some places, like Miami, Washington, Dominican Republic, France, Belgium, Italy, homes housing the Haitian missions are the property of the Haitian state. In New York, we are considering the acquisition of premises to house the Consulate, and the Mission to the United Nations to reduce the cost of rent". On this last point, a deputy pointed out that at the time of Wilson Desir, the Consulate had an apartment. He asks the Minister of Foreign Affairs to investigate this possibility. Guests have asked the Commission to contribute to their efforts, by ensuring that ministries get the budgetary support necessary for the realization of their projects.
The Foreign Ministry has announced a policy of renovation, by the rejuvenation of executives recruited in Universities of competition. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated, that there will soon be a competitive process, but added that Haitians living abroad, who hold a residence card or of another nationality, shall not apply for a diplomatic post, by prohibition of the Vienna Convention.
The Commission has reviewed some of the problems that confronts the Mission of Cuba and some concerns of the country's image projected by the Cuban cooperation workers when they return to Cuba, which are also highly detrimental to the Haitian students and to the Haitian community in general. Speaking on this point, Minister Supplice pointed out that the problem with this mission, is largely a matter of distance vis-à-vis the vast majority of the Diaspora and students who are concentrated in Santiago [Cuba]. He suggested the opening of a Consulate in Santiago de Cuba. This proposal was accepted. Many consulates will thus emerge, in Santiago de Cuba, Provincial and St. Martin among others. The MHAVE is pleased with this.
It was also agreed that it will no longer be necessary to send to Washington, passports issued abroad for final preparation, and that various changes will be made for this purpose.
Minister Lamothe, answering a question concerning reforms in diplomatic missions has indicated that there was no revocation. "The executives recalled will soon be deployed in the Ministries so that the country can benefit from their experience and expertise." After providing explanations on the concept of Business Diplomacy, the Chancellor said that the latter is not his invention, but something that is found everywhere, especially in Germany and the United States, and has assured Members of the Commission, that Classic Diplomacy is always appreciated.
Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet of Chancellor Lamothe, treated the component of the Union of African States where he participated in the last Assembly, as representative of Haiti, saying that "The Union is composed of 54 African countries, and Haiti has always had an observer status for historical reasons. First, Haiti is the first country in the African Diaspora [...] and on the other hand, most current African leaders, had Haitian teachers for their training. This explains why, Haiti, while benefiting from an associated status with the UEA, enjoys the same privileges as other member countries, except the right to vote, which it does not have. The benefits for our country are also economic, with the right of access to credit with the African Development Bank, the cooperation within the framework of the promotion of Cocoa and on the political plan, more allies in major UN decisions. Another advantage for Haiti is the use of this forum as an attraction strategy vis-à-vis Asian countries, and Australia."
About the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), Haiti maintains its status as an observer country, acquired since 2007, by adhering to the principles and enjoying the benefits such as:
- the increase of the tripartite Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela cooperation
- the increase of economic aid and structural
- the benefits offered by the special plan for Haiti in the areas of agriculture, education and infrastructure, among others.
Around the delicate problem of the Haitian presence in the Dominican Republic, the MHAVE intervened to take stock of this issue, drawing members' attention to the change in the migration path which ceases to be a migration to Bateys as before, to become today an agricultural migration, of construction and services. The Commission agreed that this issue needed more space for discussion and proposed to treat it later.
The last point was addressed specifically to the MHAVE and concerned its relations with the Diaspora. The Minister gave the results of his visits to the communities, and especially his plan to grant an identification card to all Haitians living outside the country.... Although divided on this project, the deputies nevertheless wish its realization as quickly as possible. While seeking budgetary support from the Commission, Minister Supplice believes that this project could begin next summer.
This meeting took place under the sign of mutual respect, despite the news to the Commission, announcing the resignation of Prime Minister. Everyone expressed the desire to continue working for the welfare of Haiti, in the same spirit.
(Haiti Libre) -
Resume of the Meeting
On friday, February 24, 2012, at approximately 9:30 am, the Foreign Affairs Committee, at the request of Guy Gérard Georges, the President of the Commission, held a meeting. After words of welcome from the President of the Commission, along with other members, it was the turn of the guests to introduce themselves; the Ministers Laurent Lamothe of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Daniel Supplice of Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) along with Directors General, Nixon Myrtil for the MFA, Joseph L. Augustine of MHAVE and Mr. Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet for the Chancellor.
The President of the Commission stated that this meeting was intended to learn about the operation of these ministries, embassies and consulates and to know how was the evolving situation of Haitians living abroad.
"It is for the Commission to collect a certain amount of information and to report this to the Assembly of Deputies. It wishes to have accurate information [...] and manifests the desire to develop sincere relationships with both Ministries, which it has a relational charge"
Regarding the functioning of embassies and consulates, Chancellor Lamothe handed to the President two documents explaining the new Government strategy and reforms that are underway for privileged local services such as: the opening of Consulates on Saturday and home services for the disabled and the elderly. He said that the ambassadors have a duty for results by promoting the country and that they are able to bring at least two delegations of businessmen to Haiti [annually], by making available funds to achieve this goal.
"At missions abroad, we are searching for more efficiency by reducing expenses. Having Honorary Consuls on the principle of reciprocity in various countries, and the appointment of individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors for their commitments and reputation. We want the Consulates to become centers of strategic promotion, and not places for passport delivery. In some places, like Miami, Washington, Dominican Republic, France, Belgium, Italy, homes housing the Haitian missions are the property of the Haitian state. In New York, we are considering the acquisition of premises to house the Consulate, and the Mission to the United Nations to reduce the cost of rent". On this last point, a deputy pointed out that at the time of Wilson Desir, the Consulate had an apartment. He asks the Minister of Foreign Affairs to investigate this possibility. Guests have asked the Commission to contribute to their efforts, by ensuring that ministries get the budgetary support necessary for the realization of their projects.
The Foreign Ministry has announced a policy of renovation, by the rejuvenation of executives recruited in Universities of competition. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated, that there will soon be a competitive process, but added that Haitians living abroad, who hold a residence card or of another nationality, shall not apply for a diplomatic post, by prohibition of the Vienna Convention.
The Commission has reviewed some of the problems that confronts the Mission of Cuba and some concerns of the country's image projected by the Cuban cooperation workers when they return to Cuba, which are also highly detrimental to the Haitian students and to the Haitian community in general. Speaking on this point, Minister Supplice pointed out that the problem with this mission, is largely a matter of distance vis-à-vis the vast majority of the Diaspora and students who are concentrated in Santiago [Cuba]. He suggested the opening of a Consulate in Santiago de Cuba. This proposal was accepted. Many consulates will thus emerge, in Santiago de Cuba, Provincial and St. Martin among others. The MHAVE is pleased with this.
It was also agreed that it will no longer be necessary to send to Washington, passports issued abroad for final preparation, and that various changes will be made for this purpose.
Minister Lamothe, answering a question concerning reforms in diplomatic missions has indicated that there was no revocation. "The executives recalled will soon be deployed in the Ministries so that the country can benefit from their experience and expertise." After providing explanations on the concept of Business Diplomacy, the Chancellor said that the latter is not his invention, but something that is found everywhere, especially in Germany and the United States, and has assured Members of the Commission, that Classic Diplomacy is always appreciated.
Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet of Chancellor Lamothe, treated the component of the Union of African States where he participated in the last Assembly, as representative of Haiti, saying that "The Union is composed of 54 African countries, and Haiti has always had an observer status for historical reasons. First, Haiti is the first country in the African Diaspora [...] and on the other hand, most current African leaders, had Haitian teachers for their training. This explains why, Haiti, while benefiting from an associated status with the UEA, enjoys the same privileges as other member countries, except the right to vote, which it does not have. The benefits for our country are also economic, with the right of access to credit with the African Development Bank, the cooperation within the framework of the promotion of Cocoa and on the political plan, more allies in major UN decisions. Another advantage for Haiti is the use of this forum as an attraction strategy vis-à-vis Asian countries, and Australia."
About the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), Haiti maintains its status as an observer country, acquired since 2007, by adhering to the principles and enjoying the benefits such as:
- the increase of the tripartite Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela cooperation
- the increase of economic aid and structural
- the benefits offered by the special plan for Haiti in the areas of agriculture, education and infrastructure, among others.
Around the delicate problem of the Haitian presence in the Dominican Republic, the MHAVE intervened to take stock of this issue, drawing members' attention to the change in the migration path which ceases to be a migration to Bateys as before, to become today an agricultural migration, of construction and services. The Commission agreed that this issue needed more space for discussion and proposed to treat it later.
The last point was addressed specifically to the MHAVE and concerned its relations with the Diaspora. The Minister gave the results of his visits to the communities, and especially his plan to grant an identification card to all Haitians living outside the country.... Although divided on this project, the deputies nevertheless wish its realization as quickly as possible. While seeking budgetary support from the Commission, Minister Supplice believes that this project could begin next summer.
This meeting took place under the sign of mutual respect, despite the news to the Commission, announcing the resignation of Prime Minister. Everyone expressed the desire to continue working for the welfare of Haiti, in the same spirit.
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