Before January 12, 2010
Under the leadership of President Rene Preval, Haiti was on path of political stability, progress and economic growth, enjoying one of the highest growth rates in the region, despite world economic conditions.
Although he inherited a country in chaos from the previous administration, President Preval, who adheres to the democratic principles of equity and constitutional law, implemented reforms and forward-looking programs. For the first time in recent history, Haiti’s police/security forces earned the trust of Haitian citizens and Haiti was welcomed back into CARICOM, the Caribbean’s 15-nation trading block. After centuries of political isolation, Haiti was beginning to integrate into the regional economy, and was exporting goods to the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
As hopes began to rise for Haiti, three successive and destructive hurricanes battered the island, still President Preval managed to construct a network of roads as part of his overall plan for the revitalization of the country.
Before the earthquake, Haiti was laying the foundation for a strong democratic and constitutionally based political system highlighted by transparency, openness, collaboration and complete freedom of expression. This was in deep contrast to Haiti’s history of political suppression, corruption and dictatorial leadership. A new day was beginning to dawn for Haiti.
The “new day” was based on a comprehensive plan for restructuring and modernizing Haiti developed by President Preval in November of 2007: National Strategy for Growth and Poverty Reduction.
After January 12, 2012
On January 12, 2010, a powerful 7.0 earthquake rocked the national capital of Port-Au-Prince, a densely populated city of about 4 million, the cultural heart of Haiti and the seat of government since the 1700s. Everything was leveled, including Parliament, the Supreme Court buildings and the Presidential Palace. Ministers and government officials were among the 300,000 or more who died. Almost half of the police/security force was killed. The airport and seaport were paralyzed.
A quick look:
- 300,000 dead
- 300,000 injured
- 1.5 million —15 percent of the population affected
- 1.3 million men, women and children living in makeshift tents
- 600,000 men, women and children displaced
- 105,00 homes destroyed
- 208,000 homes damaged
- 1,300 educational institutions destroyed
- 50 hospitals and health centers destroyed or unusable
The tasks and costs for clean-up, recovery and rebuilding are enormous—equal to 120 percent of Haiti’s GDP in 2009.
All government buildings were decimated and a huge percentage of government workers killed or injured. With the president and his staff focused on recovery and mitigating future loss of life, the democratic platforms and reform programs initiated by the Preval administration are at risk from opposition forces.
The constitutionally-based elections, scheduled for February 2010 are in contention, with increasing pressure for an illegitimate interim government.
The international community and multi-lateral donors have pledged their support for a plan of action presented by President Preval. Known for his commitment to democratic processes, Preval has earned the trust of the international community.
Any disruptions to the current legitimate presidency will jeopardize recovery and reconstruction funding. With the costs of recovery and reconstruction at 120 percent of the national GDP and most of the economic engines paralyzed, the country has little hope of pulling out of this crisis without the help of the international community and partners from the private sector. Continuity is crucial for Haiti.
Before the earthquake, a plan was in place to build a new Haiti within two decades. Although that plan for Haiti 2030, was temporarily obscured by the earthquake emergency, it is ready for expeditious implementation.
Today, following the earthquake, Haiti is at a crossroad point in its history, with the opportunity to begin building a new, better Haiti with modern infrastructure, modern legal framework, jobs and a developing economy with the multinational support and funding. Such a moment may not come again. The elements are in place for Haiti’s rebirth. Importantly, there is a plan. The moment in time is unprecedented to lift Haiti from the crisis of the earthquake’s aftermath into a self-reliant, emerging and integrated economy and democratic society by 2030.