Above: Haitian President Michel Martelly (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Haitian Diaspora must get involved in the development of Haiti, according to President Michel Martelly.

Haiti began activities earlier this week under the theme of “Haiti Needs Its Diaspora,” part of the occasion of the International Day of the Diaspora, which is celebrated Friday.

“I’ve always said that our brothers and sisters living abroad can help rebuild the country,” Martelly said in a statement. “They have the will and the potential in this regard.”

Martelly was giving a statement after he was released from the hospital Wednesday night following a pulmonary embolism.

Martelly commended the organization of various activities involving the Diaspora this week.

There are nearly 2 million Haitians living abroad, according to estimates, in America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Martelly presented his “warmest congratulations” to Haitians in the Diaspora, and thanked them for their financial contribution to Haiti.