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[blessedangil03]

I think that this thread is very useful as far as generating discussions as to what we can do for our country. Although there are many insightful suggestions made, as well all know, the situation is far more complex and requires very strategic approaches that will help rebuild Haiti.

One thing that I wanted to point out is that we must recognize the agricultural sector and rebuild the rural areas as an avenue for Haiti’s development. 70% of the population lives off of the land and it continues to rapidly detoriate. What can we do about it? What have others done? There are hundreds of “development” projects that seek to address this problem as a way for farmers to care for the soil however; they have all been “top down” approaches and have rarely included the citizens in participatory collective action. However, despite the political unrest, nongovernmental agencies contribute greatly to the country by providing services that the fragile state is incapable of doing.

Instead of trying to approach things from a broad and macro level in Haiti’s development, we can begin by looking at communities and regions. Diasporas can utilize existing resources by becoming involved with those local organizations and taking it from there. In addition, it is imperative that Haitians abroad mobilize themselves and get together to strategically address the ills of our country feasibly. Like a previous poster stated, it would definitely help if Haiti allowed dual citizenship. This would provide greater incentive for thousands of Haitians abroad to play an active role in the rebuilding of the country.

[ccoicou]

Pano, You and I see things the same way it's scary.

[TiCam]

Originally Posted by ccoicou

Pano, You and I see things the same way it's scary.

In what way Ccoicou?

[panoramix]

@ccoicou: We grew up in the same environment for many years, it's normal that we think alike

Les gens du nord: Because of my involvement with Haitiwebs Soccer during the past 6 years, I've had to deal with many different people from Haiti.

For some unknown reasons, Haitian people from the nothern regions of Haiti, from St-Marc up are a lot easier to deal with. The further north you go, the more open minded they are. FICA was the very first Haitian soccer club with a website, not Violette or Racing Club Haitien. Our number 1 helper was a man from Cap-Haitien, but he got to busy with his business.

It's important to know that any project that the Diaspora would want to start (once dual citizenship is accepted) would have a greater chance of success in the north of Haiti. The rest of the departments will follow once the project is successful in the north.

[eddy15]

Thank you all for adding thoughts to this thread! This is no simple matter and will take the input of many in order to accomplish our collective goal, a better Haiti!

Where we go from here will be the based on the outcome of these discussions, but let me at least share with you what my vision is hopefully that will address some of your concerns:

From here, I saw:

1. A preliminary group such as a yahoogroup, or something similar for further discussions among those truly interested.

Once enough momentum was in place:

2. An organization with membership in the thousands and elected officers that holds meetings where the members can attend and vote on what needs to happen and how!

3. Have local representatives in all 10 departments of Haiti assigned to each and every area that will be affected so that no decision will be made blindly!

[panoramix]

What would be the objective of such organization?

Demand dual citizenship?

That's the only thing we can come together and do at this point. Haiti's constitution (section posted on previous threads) does not encourage foreign investments. It keeps foreign investors away but it also keeps the Haitian Diaspora away.

[eddy15]

Pano,

Dual citizenship seems to be something very close to your heart, and it almost seems like you are saying that Haiti's problems are resolved once that happens. I truly wish it was that simple!

As for the organization, it would be a vehicle through which economic changes can be made in Haiti!

[panoramix]

When it comes to economic development, I beleive in the economic theory called "invisible hand". There are services to be provided and products to be manufactured/processed and sold in Haiti. I beleive in investing, making money and growing your business in Haiti. This will provide jobs, training and better living conditions for Haitians.

Currently the Haitian constitution treats the Haitian Diaspora just like any other foreigner. The way the constituion reads is not very friendly to foreign investors. Dual citizenship will open doors to investors that have acquired knowledge and experience abroad and that would like to invest their money in their home country.

[haitiwebs]

First you need security and structures. With those in place, everyone, foreigner and diaspora will go back, regardless of dual nationality or not.

Without those and with dual nationality, no one will go back

[Ylsen29]

I beleive that any attempt to solve our economic situation without going back to the roots is just frivolous. Almost no one in the diaspora has a family deeply anchored in Port-au-Prince. Most come from places where agriculture, fishingor other crafts are great industries.

The law makers MUST revise the constitution to include all of us. Not all who become citizens of another country severe all ties with the old country. Some could only take advantage of some educational opportunities only by becoming a citizen of the host country.

We could stay abroad and work hard, eat dead meat with sour rice to send our savings back for as long as we could, this will amount to nothing.

The government should develop ways to revaloize our soil and gives incentives to farmers by buying their produces which they transform and market. We MUST stop eating all those expired and tasteless "CRAP" the Dominican Republic is shoveling down our throat with the quiet and active complicity of an incompetent border custom agency.

We need people young and competent to replace the old folks who only need the power for money and what else...