News

Altidor: Haiti’s Diaspora “Must Play a Critical Role” in Development

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - October 19, 2012 - 10:54 pm

Above: the Global Haitian Diaspora Congress (OAS Photo/Juan Manuel Herrera)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Organization of American States Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza addressed the opening of the Global Haitian Diaspora Congress in Washington on Friday, highlighting what he saw as the efforts of Haiti President Michel Martelly to plan long-term projects and work towards political stability in Haiti.

“We have a strong and willing government under the leadership of President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, a functioning parliament, political and institutional stability, all of which are assisting in the country’s long-term recovery and development,” Insulza said, emphasizing that “Haitians cannot live forever in transition, where a series of short-term actions are taken constantly to meet urgent needs.”

Insulza said the OAS was reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Haiti’s governance and public administration.

“Haiti stands today at a crossroads: a period in which, for many years, or even decades maybe, is one of the most propitious for all actors to come together in the long-lasting efforts to support Haiti,” he said. “I have no doubt that the 2012 Diaspora Congress will be forthcoming in addressing numerous issues of the utmost importance for the continued engagement of Haitians living abroad, as well as for Haiti itself.”

Insulza was the first speaker to the Congress, which meets until Saturday.

The SG said that the OAS’ efforts in Haiti had largely flown under the radar, particularly an ID project.

“Since 2005, the OAS has actively participated, hand in hand with the Haitian state, in the registration of nearly 5 million of its citizens — the majority of its adult population — which has enabled many, for the very first time, to hold a national identification card made with the latest biometric technology,” he said. “To have been able to undertake such a challenging project — one of the most important and largest scale projects the OAS has carried out in the past years — is, for us, a major source of great pride and satisfaction.”

Joseph Baptiste, president of the Haitian Diaspora Foundation, urged Haitians at home and abroad to help Haiti.

“The time has come for all of us to move in a new direction,” he said. “We must embrace a new era of engagement based on mutual interests and mutual respect and our work must begin now.”

Haiti’s Ambassador to the US, Paul Altidor, lauded the contribution of Haitians to the diaspora in the United States, whether in sports, entertainment, medicine or other sectors.

“It is very important for Haiti and its future,” he said, that Haitians in the diaspora “play a critical role in the development of Haiti.”

According to Daniel Supplice, Haiti’s Minister of Haitian Living Abroad, remittances from Haitian migrants to Haiti now reach $2 billion each year.

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


This Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Is Coming to Barbados —  And You Can Book It With Points

new brand for the caribbean

Barbados has long been a haven for adults in search of refinement — the kind of place where luxury and culture blend in quiet, confident harmony. Now, that ethos is becoming the foundation of a new resort concept that aims […]


Related Posts jetblue caribbean major expansion

JetBlue Is Launching Another Major Caribbean Expansion

JetBlue Airways is set to launch a significant expansion to the Caribbean this summer, Caribbean Journal has learned.  In July, JetBlue will launch new routes to destinations including Antigua, Puerto Rico, Cartagena, Haiti, Puerto Plata, Saint Lucia and St Thomas, […]


Spirit Relaunches Flights to Cap-Haitien, Haiti

haiti spirit airlines cap-haitien

Spirit Airlines has relaunched its flights from Fort Lauderdale to Cap-Haitien on the northern coast of Haiti.  The low-cost carrier resumed the service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Cap-Haitien International Airport on Dec. 3.  The service is the only […]


Eastern Airlines Is Launching Flights to the Dominican Republic

dominican republic eastern airlines

The revived Eastern Airlines is back in the Caribbean.  The new iteration of the once-legendary carrier is set to launch expanded Caribbean flights in December with service to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  Eastern Airlines will be launching twice-weekly flights from […]