OAS: “Concrete Results” in Haiti

Above: OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza (OAS Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Progress in Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake is “concrete” and “inspiring,” Organization of American States Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza said in a statement on Saturday.

Insulza said Haiti had become a place “of perseverance and opportunity.”

“We have seen the government and people of Haiti persevere, work through issues, find opportunities and secure results,” Insulza said. “Today, although much remains to be done, Haiti can demonstrate concrete results and the journey is inspiring,” added the OAS leader.”

Organization of American States Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who is also the chair of the Group of Friends of Haiti and the Haiti Task Force, said that, while progress had been made, there was much work ahead for the country.

“The government must be commended for the progress made. They have worked with a wide range of partners internationally, sub-regionally and locally and four years later business and development interests in Haiti have increased, education and training opportunities have been expanded, and in concrete terms, more than 1.3 million Haitians have been moved out of tent camps and into safer housing,” he said.

The Assistant Secretary General said he was also encouraged by the country’s steps to work toward holding long overdue elections in Haiti, which have been delayed by more than two years.

“The work continues for everyone. There is a long road ahead for Haiti, but progress always starts with a single step,” Ramdin said.