REPORT ON HAITI TO THE PERMANENT COUNCIL BY

January 25, 2012 - Washington, DC

Chair of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Duly Brutus,
Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza,
Permanent Representatives,
Permanent Observers,
Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I present to the Permanent Council an update on OAS activities in Haiti and perspectives on the way forward. As I do so, I reaffirm this Organization's commitment to Haiti in 2012 and beyond.

Over the years, the wellbeing of the people of Haiti has engaged the attention of this institution. Issues of peace, stability, security and development have been priorities on our agenda. Through the Haiti Task Force, the work of the OAS in Haiti is monitored and coordinated. Member States, Permanent Observers, International Organizations, non-governmental institutions who participate in the Haiti Group of Friends meetings, receive regular updates on developments, challenges and opportunities.

At the start of 2012, we believe it is important to present this update to all members of the Permanent Council.

Last week I traveled to Haiti where I met with the Leaders of the House of Deputies and the Senate, Prime Minister Gary Conille, several high ranking government ministers including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior.

I also had a productive meeting with President Michel Martelly and his advisory team. I held talks with members of the international community resident in Haiti and also representatives of MINUSTAH.

During my visit the new Special Representative of the OAS to Haiti, Frederic Bolduc was introduced to Haitian authorities, officially completing the process of strengthening the OAS country office.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there seems to be a positive dynamic in Haiti in terms of planning for the future. Investment opportunities are being pursued by willing partners and by the Haitian government. New ventures are being explored, new markets are being sought out, and Haitian nationals are tapping into scholarship opportunities and training programs with renewed vigor.

Yet, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. Two years have passed since the earthquake of 2010 and approximately half a million Haitian nationals are still living in tent cities. They remain vulnerable to the elements and illnesses like cholera. Health officials locally and internationally, must remain vigilant, if we are to mitigate threats, which can be posed by the upcoming rainy and hurricane season.

Basic amenities are often unavailable and security is a concern. Last week I witnessed the international community’s willingness to assist, as one country offered to fund the relocation of residents of one tent city. It’s a commendable step on the long road ahead.

Clearing rubble and rebuilding the city is still a struggle. While a good portion of Port au Prince has been cleared, there is still evidence of the catastrophy which took place more than two years ago. From this point of view, safety remains an issue. Last week dozens of lives were lost when a large truck filled with rubble spun out of control and crashed into a group of people. Dozens of people were killed and many others injured.

Mr Chairman, meeting the needs of the Haitian people requires a strong, stable and committed government and an environment where positive relations exist among all stakeholders.

I agree with Haitian government officials who are calling for all partners to urgently come together to generate a re-energized, more coordinated approach to donor aid and assistance. There is a real need to improve our method of coordination and execution. The piece meal approach to donor aid is not helping Haiti build a solid foundation for sustainable development.

By way of example, it is estimated that the number of NGO’s currently carrying out projects in Haiti is anywhere between 3000 to 10,000 plus NGO’s. No one knows the exact number of NGO’s operating in Haiti, because only about 300 are officially registered with the government. Millions of dollars and resources are going into projects managed by NGO’s, with little co-ordination. There is no comprehensive plan among these groups. We have seen situations where an NGO builds a school, but in the long term, there is no money to train or pay teachers. The lack of proper co-ordination has resulted in a duplication of efforts and inefficiency in many areas. In this regard, the OAS agrees with the call from the government, for all NGO’s to be registered in an effort to maximize coordination. I firmly believe that we will achieve more and get a clearer picture, if we are all on the same page.

Along these lines, government officials in Haiti are exploring the option of bringing together key donor partners with stakes in Haiti to find solutions to the challenges of co-ordination. The OAS has offered to provide the forum and whatever support is needed for this dialogue. While 2012 provides an opportunity for renewed commitment and real change, we cannot continue to follow isolated agendas and do what we think is best for Haiti, without Haitian input and leadership.

Mr Chairman, the other issue which is of concern to both government and all opposition parties is the holding of partial senatorial elections. These elections are due, but issues surrounding constitutional amendments from the previous sitting of parliament must be resolved. The formation of a Permanent Electoral Council is a priority issue that must be addressed. The administration and the legislative authorities however both agree that these elections must take place, in this regard it is important that a time-line for the holding of these elections is presented as soon as possible.

The government of Haiti has also pointed out that security is another priority for them. In light of the eventual gradual draw-down of MINUSTAH, the government of Haiti has expressed an interest in reconstituting its national army. There appears to be local support for this plan, but there are those who feel the strengthening of the Haitian National Police should be more of a priority. The government of Haiti has indicated that it is still examining this issue from all angles.

Apart from peace and political stability, the OAS has a keen interest in the development and strengthening of Haitian institutions and their capacity. The civil registry project has been ground breaking. The OAS team, with crucial support from Canada, has been able to implement and execute state of the art identification cards, superior to many currently being used in the Caribbean and Central America, to Haitian nationals. The modernization and integration of the Haitian Civil Registry and Identification systems, has benefitted 4.9 million Haitian citizens 18 years and older. The registration of newborns is also being pursued through pilot projects in hospitals in Citi Soleil and Petionville, while discussions are ongoing regarding the required amendments of existing legislation for the registration of minors.

The OAS also provides support through the Scholarship program, providing Haitian nationals living in Haiti with the opportunity to further their education though on-line academic training.

The OAS Youth Orchestra program in Haiti, meanwhile targets youth at risk and has served approximately 150 young people already, taking them off the streets and training them for two hours a day. I hope to bring them here for a performance soon for you to hear them play.

The computers for communities and computers for schools program have benefitted over 600 children and 48 schools. Working with the Young Americas Business Trust, this venture focuses on entrepreneurial training and promotes technology.

In collaboration with USAID, the OAS is also now working on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Persons with Disabilities. The goal of this program is to assist persons with disabilities (and there are many following the earthquake) in reintegrating into the workforce, and in so doing, strengthen the capacity of Haitian institutions.

A bio-energy action plan is also being pursued by the Department of Sustainable development, and we are currently exploring the establishment of the small business development centers in Haiti.

In areas of security we are negotiating firearms marking, and also exchanging best practices to promote the professionalization and modernization of the police, through the inter-american police training program.

Integral disaster mitigation strategies are also being pursued, to support efforts toward the creation of greater resilience at the national level against disasters and emergencies.

Finally, we have submitted to the Government of Haiti a project to modernize the Cadastre and Land rights infrastructure. We await the decision of Haitian authorities on the way forward and, recognizing the need for coordination, believe that it is important at this stage to bring all interested partners together under Haitian leadership.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there are several more projects which I have not named. This is just to give you an idea of what we are doing, since I believe it is crucial for all member states and observers to be aware of what we have done, where we are, and where we need to be in the future, when it comes to Haiti. I call on member states to support these projects and expand the opportunity of the OAS to further strengthen institutional capacity.

I thank you for your attention.