What's Next for Haiti?

Speakers

• Dr. Jorge Heine, CIGI Chair in Global Governance, Balsillie School of International Affairs and former Ambassador of Chile
• Hon. Gérard Latortue, Former Prime Minister of Haiti (2004 to 2006)
• Dr. Anthony Maingot, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology, Florida International University
• John Yearwood, World Editor, The Miami Herald (moderator)

Summary:

AS/COA Miami hosted a September 12 panel discussion on how to best move forward in terms of Haitian governance, investment, and development. The event was held in conjunction with the book launch of Fixing Haiti: MINUSTAH and Beyond by Dr. Jorge Heine. Discussion centered on the moment of opportunity currently facing the country, a debate over international aid, and the need to involve the Haitian people and the diaspora in development efforts.

Haiti’s at a critical turning point

Haiti is now at a critical turning point for its development. Dr. Jorge Heine of the Center for International Government Innovation emphasized how President Michel Martelly’s May 14 inauguration was historic in that it represented the first time a Haitian president has taken office following another elected president completing a full term. Heine also noted that the change in power coincided with the May 16 appointment of Chile’s Mariano Fernández as head of MINUSTAH (UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti).

Although the Haitian GDP contracted 8.5 percent in 2010 after the earthquake, Heine expressed hope for Haiti’s economy, given that the World Economic Forum estimates it can grow 6 to 8 percent over the next decade. To ensure this tremendous growth potential is met, Heine advocated for an aggressive development plan with a large influx of investment similar to the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe following World War II. He stressed that Haiti’s window of opportunity is temporary, so the international community should take action to make significant investments in the near future.

Despite hope for Haiti, much remains to be done. Former Prime Minister Gerard Latortue, speaking publicly for the first time since leaving office, outlined a host of issues that need to be addressed to ensure a better future for Haiti. He cited a serious need for infrastructure development and decentralization from Port-au-Prince and noted that the extensive damage sustained from the earthquake provided the opportunity for this kind of development. He also called for stronger institutions, fiscal reform to avoid corruption and raise taxes, more cohesive cooperation with international governments and agencies, expansion of the public health system, and small-business promotion.

Differing perspectives on international aid

Panelists debated the role of MINUSTAH, the peacekeeping force made up of international troops—mostly from Latin American countries. Florida International University’s Dr. Anthony Maingot stressed the crucial role of these forces, and said it would be devastating should Brazil and Chile withdraw their troops. Heine credited MINUSTAH with training a national police force, but cautioned against this becoming a permanent installation and suggested creating a five-year timeline for the withdrawal of forces. Latortue mirrored Heine’s sentiments that MINUSTAH cannot be seen as a permanent peacekeeping force, although he disagreed about the force’s level of success. However, he did credit MINUSTAH with vetting the police forces to rid them of gangsters.

Another point of contention regarding international aid was corruption. Latortue stressed that while the international community is quick to point out the high level of corruption within Haiti, it is hesitant to address the high levels of corruption stemming from donor countries as well, particularly involving aid workers. He suggested that every dollar spent from international organizations requires a dual signature between a Haitian and a person from the donor country in order to strengthen collaboration and better achieve a shared goal.

Latortue also noted that money for development efforts from the Haitian government is typically swindled because of the lack of respect for the national budget and the ease of access of which government officials have to it. Dr. Anthony Maingot of Florida International University supported his statement with an anecdote for a project funded by the Ford Foundation in the 1970s when the program’s director used the funds to buy homes for his mistresses. Latortue again urged the need for sweeping fiscal reform in conjunction with more robust rule of law. A stronger system of collecting taxes needs to be put in place and enforced, he said, because very few Haitians pay taxes given the extensive web of loopholes written into the current system.

Panelists acknowledged that the tremendous amount of international aid pouring into Haiti from governments and NGOs around the world is well intentioned, but cautioned that the distribution of aid is problematic due to a general lack of understanding of the situation on the ground. They agreed that the nature of international aid needs to change because throwing money at the problem is not the way to fix it.

Heine noted that the international community has focused on strengthening state capacity so it can better manage the funds. Latortue conceded that stronger local institutions are needed to finally achieve development, but defended against critics who say the country lacks “absorption capacity” to put international aid money to use. He said funds would be best spent on infrastructure projects.

Involving the Haitian people

The panelists concurred that the swift and generous contributions by the international community following the earthquake were extraordinary, but they underscored the need to better involve Haitian people on the island as well as from the extensive diaspora. Moderator John Yearwood of The Miami Herald referenced former President Bill Clinton’s visit to Haiti with several hundred businessmen in 2009 as a strong gesture of support for development. However, Latortue challenged the way that investment and non-profit organizations spend money. He said international organizations focus on spending money within a fiscal year rather than on the most efficient programs that contribute to real change.

Latortue noted the existence of enormous human capital in the Haitian diaspora and said engaging Haitians who have left the island is key for development. He recommended creating incentives for those who return to Haiti to establish small- and medium-sized businesses. Given that the World Bank estimates that 80 percent of highly skilled Haitians live abroad, this could indeed bring a lasting impact. Latortue highlighted a fellowship program he implemented while in office which brought 40 members of the diaspora back to Haiti to develop businesses, and noted that many of them stayed following the conclusion of the program.

Maingot approached the issue from another angle, arguing that the most productive and successful development efforts will be small-scale endeavors that involve Haitians on the island instead of implementing top-down development. He cited an observation from a recent trip to the countryside, where many houses now have tin roofs instead of thatched, yet no gutter systems to collect the water. An initiative that would install gutters to collect rainwater for drinking would offer an alternative to cholera-infested river water, as well as irrigate uncultivated land for peasants to grow their own food. An effort to install gutters in similar towns would serve to empower the people of Haiti and offer new opportunities for self-sufficiency.