Haiti's national government seems to be dancing on the edge of crisis because of unreasonable delays in the holding of elections. The election for one-third of the seats in the Senate has been postponed several times since it was due in May, 2012. The election of local municipal mayors was due in April, 2011.
As a result, the US -- and other countries, as well -- may be inclined to delay or deny much needed economic aid. Observers in Haiti point out that private investment in Haiti is not as available in times of political uncertainty. The prolonged deferral of elections and the squabbling within the political class of the country clearly increase the risks for investing partners. Read more . . .
While we have seen some great examples of community development in the rural countryside, much of it has been under the authority and responsibility of NGOs (non-government organizations). The national government has recently launched some critically needed initiatives but without transparent and accountable relationships with local civic structures the future of those initiatives is doubtful at best.
Perhaps the best news out of Haiti in these uncertain political circumstances are the advances at the local level in those places where Haitians are helping other Haitians manage for the benefit of the whole community, where benefit is measured in hygiene, health and education of the whole community, and where everyone is given an opportunity to participate, or at least know who is responsible and what is going on.
I wonder what you readers think about this, especially those of you in or from Haiti. I hope you will comment in the space for comments below, or reply by email. Repons nan Kreyol pa gen pwoblem!
--kjl
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