Haiti: One Year Later

As someone who has traveled around the world and had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the cultures of the countries I visit, I like to take it all in. There have been times there were stark differences than what I've become used to in the United States and one particular trip was when I went to the Dominican Republic, the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. When being transported from the airport to the beachfront hotel, I was taken aback by the extreme poverty: people living in one room tin shacks, children playing stickball with a ratty, dirty ball, children playing with makeshift toys and a definite lack of sewage. On the western side of Hispaniola, the citizens of Haiti endure an even more extreme level of poverty; the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. And sadly, this country was brought into the world spotlight one year ago.

One year ago tomorrow, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 earthquake that while only lasting 10-20 seconds, devastated this already impoverished country. Infrastructure already substandard and shoddy building materials were a recipe for disaster for urban areas such as Port-au-Prince, a city that had problems way before this earthquake. We all saw the pictures on the news and they were devastating!

Many friends of mine and one former student were touched by and/or acted as a result of this disaster in some form or another. There are three that come to mind. The former student was an at-large member of the Lynn University community, the Florida college where six of its students were killed in the collapsing Hotel Montana during the earthquake (surviving family members have now founded relief-related charities that will do work in Haiti). One friend has volunteered her time with organizations who have shipped food and medical supplies. Another friend has gone to Haiti on two relief trips with GCOM (God's One Chosen Ministry)

One year later, as these pictures show, the recovery effort is continuing, however it is slow. Governments and organizations have pledged nearly $6 billion, but all the money has not been delivered. Between hurricanes, the cholera outbreak and questions surrounding the stability, legitimacy of the Haitian Government, as well as concerns about its response.

In looking at the relief effort in Haiti, it is very unfortunate the governmental situation has hindered progress. Knowing the challenges and knowing their government's reputation, some, after the earthquake, have suggested donations should come from private citizens to charitable organizations, as opposed to from the American Government to the Haitian Government. This way, there will be a greater chance the money will get where it needs to go; to the Haitian people. What is happening with with Haiti greatly reminds me of the situation in many countries in Africa over the years: the American government gives money to the various African governments and those governments squander/steal/redirect the money that it does not get where it needs to go.

The various relief organizations have done yeoman's work and they have made sure the work they do goes directly to the people. Sadly, there is only so much that can be done by these organizations. Haiti, like the other impoverished nations around the world, must improve its governmental situation for the earthquake recovery to continue and be successful. Governments willing to give must hold the Haitian Government accountable through the aid they give, so that they can best reform in the interest of their people. This fairly elected government must provide a stable backbone to the country and work in the interest of the Haitian people. Finding that capable and stable government will be the primary factor that will determine the path Haiti will take in the earthquake recovery and in years to come.