Former OAS Diplomat Exposes the Crimes of the
“International Community” in Haiti
“International Community” in Haiti
In his new book, Ricardo Seitenful writes about the
“electoral coup” which brought President Martelly to power, the UN’s “genocide
by negligence” through importing cholera, and Venezuela’s “new paradigm” with
PetroCaribe
“electoral coup” which brought President Martelly to power, the UN’s “genocide
by negligence” through importing cholera, and Venezuela’s “new paradigm” with
PetroCaribe
(First of two parts)*
by Georgianne
Nienaber and Dan Beeton (Haiti Liberte)
Nienaber and Dan Beeton (Haiti Liberte)
The title of
Brazilian professor Ricardo Seitenfus’ book, HAITI: Dilemas e Fracassos Internacionais (“International
Crossroads and Failures in Haiti,” published in Brazil by the Editora Unijui –
Universite de Ijui– in the series Globalization and International Relations)
appropriately opens with a reference to existentialist philosopher Albert
Camus.
Brazilian professor Ricardo Seitenfus’ book, HAITI: Dilemas e Fracassos Internacionais (“International
Crossroads and Failures in Haiti,” published in Brazil by the Editora Unijui –
Universite de Ijui– in the series Globalization and International Relations)
appropriately opens with a reference to existentialist philosopher Albert
Camus.
Camus’ third great novel, The Fall, is a work of fiction in which
the author makes the case that every living person is responsible for any
atrocity that can be quantified or named. In the case of Haiti, the January
2010 earthquake set the final stage for what amounted to what Seitenfus says is
an “international embezzlement” of the country.
the author makes the case that every living person is responsible for any
atrocity that can be quantified or named. In the case of Haiti, the January
2010 earthquake set the final stage for what amounted to what Seitenfus says is
an “international embezzlement” of the country.
The tragedy began over 200 years ago
in 1804, when Haiti committed what Seitenfus terms an “original sin,” a crime
of lèse-majesté for a troubled world:
it became the first (and only) independent nation to emerge from a slave
rebellion. “The Haitian revolutionary model scared the colonialist and racist
Great Powers,” Seitenfus writes. The U.S. only recognized Haiti’s independence
in 1862, just before it abolished its own slavery system, and France demanded
heavy financial compensation from the new republic as a condition of its
honoring Haiti’s nationhood. Haiti has been isolated and manipulated on the
international scene ever since, its people “prisoners on their own island.”
in 1804, when Haiti committed what Seitenfus terms an “original sin,” a crime
of lèse-majesté for a troubled world:
it became the first (and only) independent nation to emerge from a slave
rebellion. “The Haitian revolutionary model scared the colonialist and racist
Great Powers,” Seitenfus writes. The U.S. only recognized Haiti’s independence
in 1862, just before it abolished its own slavery system, and France demanded
heavy financial compensation from the new republic as a condition of its
honoring Haiti’s nationhood. Haiti has been isolated and manipulated on the
international scene ever since, its people “prisoners on their own island.”
To understand Seitenfus’ journey
into the theater of the absurd, it is necessary to revisit the months after the
2010 Haiti earthquake. As the Organization of American States’ (OAS) Special
Representative in Haiti, Seitenfus lost his job in December 2010 after an interview
in which he sharply criticized the role of the United Nations and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the devastated country. But it appears
that the author also had insider information about international plans for a
“silent coup d’etat,” electoral interference and more.
into the theater of the absurd, it is necessary to revisit the months after the
2010 Haiti earthquake. As the Organization of American States’ (OAS) Special
Representative in Haiti, Seitenfus lost his job in December 2010 after an interview
in which he sharply criticized the role of the United Nations and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the devastated country. But it appears
that the author also had insider information about international plans for a
“silent coup d’etat,” electoral interference and more.
On the Ground in Haiti: October-December 2010
It was not yet
one year since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed 220,000 or more, left
infrastructure in chaos, and 1.5 million people homeless. Accusations were
rampant in October international press reports that the United Nations mission
to Haiti (MINUSTAH) had introduced cholera into Haiti’s river system. As of
Feb. 9, 2014, 699,244 people contracted cholera and 8,549 have died.
one year since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed 220,000 or more, left
infrastructure in chaos, and 1.5 million people homeless. Accusations were
rampant in October international press reports that the United Nations mission
to Haiti (MINUSTAH) had introduced cholera into Haiti’s river system. As of
Feb. 9, 2014, 699,244 people contracted cholera and 8,549 have died.
Ground zero for the outbreak was
negligent sewage disposal at the Nepalese Mirebalais MINUSTAH camp. The
malfeasance was first documented by the Associated Press and ultimately
provided crucial proof of the U.N.’s guilt. Thousands were infected and the
number of dead rose exponentially. On Nov. 28, the national election was
contested in what can only be termed an electoral crisis. Hundreds of thousands
of voters were either shut out of the electoral process or boycotted the vote
after the most popular party in the country — Fanmi Lavalas — was again banned
from competing. Many of those displaced by the earthquake were not allowed to
vote, and in the end less than 23% of registered voters had their vote counted.
negligent sewage disposal at the Nepalese Mirebalais MINUSTAH camp. The
malfeasance was first documented by the Associated Press and ultimately
provided crucial proof of the U.N.’s guilt. Thousands were infected and the
number of dead rose exponentially. On Nov. 28, the national election was
contested in what can only be termed an electoral crisis. Hundreds of thousands
of voters were either shut out of the electoral process or boycotted the vote
after the most popular party in the country — Fanmi Lavalas — was again banned
from competing. Many of those displaced by the earthquake were not allowed to
vote, and in the end less than 23% of registered voters had their vote counted.
Eyewitness testimony on election day
reported numerous electoral violations: ballot stuffing, tearing up of ballots,
intimidation and fraud. Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council , responsible for
overseeing elections, announced that former first lady Mirlande Manigat won but
lacked the margin of victory needed to avoid a runoff. An OAS “experts” mission
was dispatched to examine the results. Even though it was indeterminate that he
should advance, due to the OAS’ intervention, candidate and pop musician Michel
“Sweet Micky” Martelly was selected to compete in the runoff instead of the
governing party’s candidate Jude Célestin.
reported numerous electoral violations: ballot stuffing, tearing up of ballots,
intimidation and fraud. Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council , responsible for
overseeing elections, announced that former first lady Mirlande Manigat won but
lacked the margin of victory needed to avoid a runoff. An OAS “experts” mission
was dispatched to examine the results. Even though it was indeterminate that he
should advance, due to the OAS’ intervention, candidate and pop musician Michel
“Sweet Micky” Martelly was selected to compete in the runoff instead of the
governing party’s candidate Jude Célestin.
The Center for Economic and Policy
Research (CEPR) subsequently released a report showing that there were so many
problems with the election tallies that the OAS’ conclusions represented a
political, rather than an electoral decision.
Research (CEPR) subsequently released a report showing that there were so many
problems with the election tallies that the OAS’ conclusions represented a
political, rather than an electoral decision.
CEPR reported that for some 1,326
voting booths, or 11.9% of the total, tally sheets were either never received
by the CEP, or were quarantined for irregularities. This corresponded to about
12.7% of the vote not being counted and not included in the final totals that
were released by the CEP on Dec. 7, 2010 and reported by the press. CEPR also
noted that in its review of the tally sheets, the OAS Mission chose to examine
only a portion, and that those it discarded were from disproportionately pro-Célestin
areas. Nor did the OAS mission use any statistical inference to estimate what
might have resulted had it examined the other 92% of tally sheets that it did
not examine.
voting booths, or 11.9% of the total, tally sheets were either never received
by the CEP, or were quarantined for irregularities. This corresponded to about
12.7% of the vote not being counted and not included in the final totals that
were released by the CEP on Dec. 7, 2010 and reported by the press. CEPR also
noted that in its review of the tally sheets, the OAS Mission chose to examine
only a portion, and that those it discarded were from disproportionately pro-Célestin
areas. Nor did the OAS mission use any statistical inference to estimate what
might have resulted had it examined the other 92% of tally sheets that it did
not examine.
The runoff was finally scheduled for
Mar. 20, 2011 and Martelly was declared the winner with 67.6% of the vote
versus Manigat’s 31.5%. Turnout was so low that Martelly was declared
president-elect after receiving the votes of less than 17% of the electorate in
the second round.
Mar. 20, 2011 and Martelly was declared the winner with 67.6% of the vote
versus Manigat’s 31.5%. Turnout was so low that Martelly was declared
president-elect after receiving the votes of less than 17% of the electorate in
the second round.
Into the fray stepped Brazilian
professor Ricardo Seitenfus. Seitenfus, a respected scholar, made statements to
Swiss newspaper Le Temps criticizing
international meddling in Haiti in general and by MINUSTAH and NGOs in
particular. He was abruptly ousted on Christmas Day. The press was equivocal on
whether Seitenfus was fired or forced to take a two-month “vacation” before his
tenure ended in March 2011.
professor Ricardo Seitenfus. Seitenfus, a respected scholar, made statements to
Swiss newspaper Le Temps criticizing
international meddling in Haiti in general and by MINUSTAH and NGOs in
particular. He was abruptly ousted on Christmas Day. The press was equivocal on
whether Seitenfus was fired or forced to take a two-month “vacation” before his
tenure ended in March 2011.
Was Seitenfus let go for citing a “maléfique ou perverse” (evil or
perverse) relationship between the government of Haiti and NGOs operating
amidst fraud and waste; his accusations about the cholera cover-up; or more
troubling, knowledge of a silent coup being orchestrated against then-President
Rene Préval by a secret “Core Group?” Was he silenced because of his knowledge
of covert meetings between the then Special Representative of the
Secretary-General and MINUSTAH chief Edmond Mulet, then U.S Ambassador Kenneth
Merten, and then-Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive?
perverse) relationship between the government of Haiti and NGOs operating
amidst fraud and waste; his accusations about the cholera cover-up; or more
troubling, knowledge of a silent coup being orchestrated against then-President
Rene Préval by a secret “Core Group?” Was he silenced because of his knowledge
of covert meetings between the then Special Representative of the
Secretary-General and MINUSTAH chief Edmond Mulet, then U.S Ambassador Kenneth
Merten, and then-Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive?
Seitenfus’ passionate accounting of
the events in the year after the January 2010 earthquake reveals a man
seemingly at odds with his internal moral compass and what he describes as “the
black hole of western consciousness” in relations between Haiti and the
international community of donor nations. This is a book written by a man
enthralled by the beauty and promise of Haiti. It is also a book written by a
professor serving as a diplomat struggling to be a whistleblower in the absurd
and troubling world of international diplomacy.
the events in the year after the January 2010 earthquake reveals a man
seemingly at odds with his internal moral compass and what he describes as “the
black hole of western consciousness” in relations between Haiti and the
international community of donor nations. This is a book written by a man
enthralled by the beauty and promise of Haiti. It is also a book written by a
professor serving as a diplomat struggling to be a whistleblower in the absurd
and troubling world of international diplomacy.
Q: You write about
international collusion in plans for a “silent coup.” Why wait until now to
name the perpetrators? Does the fact that Mulet, Bellerive and Merten have all
moved on from their offices have anything to do with your timing? You state
emphatically that you opposed the coup plans.
international collusion in plans for a “silent coup.” Why wait until now to
name the perpetrators? Does the fact that Mulet, Bellerive and Merten have all
moved on from their offices have anything to do with your timing? You state
emphatically that you opposed the coup plans.
RS: No. It is not true
that I kept quiet. I gave various interviews to the Brazilian and international
press, in late December 2010 and early January 2011, mentioning this and other
episodes. See, for example, the BBC and AlJazeera.
that I kept quiet. I gave various interviews to the Brazilian and international
press, in late December 2010 and early January 2011, mentioning this and other
episodes. See, for example, the BBC and AlJazeera.
The problem is that the
international press was manipulated during the electoral crisis and never had
an interest in doing investigative journalism. In the interviews that I gave,
and especially in my book (“International Crossroads and Failures in Haiti”),
soon to be published in Brazil and other countries, I describe the electoral
coup in great detail.
international press was manipulated during the electoral crisis and never had
an interest in doing investigative journalism. In the interviews that I gave,
and especially in my book (“International Crossroads and Failures in Haiti”),
soon to be published in Brazil and other countries, I describe the electoral
coup in great detail.
Furthermore, the vast majority of
the elements I reveal, I discovered in a scientific research project over the
past three years. Many questions were hanging in the air, without adequate
answers. I believe I managed to connect the different views and actors,
providing the reader a logical and consistent interpretation about what
happened. We are dealing with a work that is required by the historical memory,
without any shadow of revenge or settling of scores.
the elements I reveal, I discovered in a scientific research project over the
past three years. Many questions were hanging in the air, without adequate
answers. I believe I managed to connect the different views and actors,
providing the reader a logical and consistent interpretation about what
happened. We are dealing with a work that is required by the historical memory,
without any shadow of revenge or settling of scores.
Q: Were you the background
press source on early reports of the cholera epidemic being caused by MINUSTAH
in October 2010? You write about the “shameless” attitude of the United Nations
(including Edmond Mulet and Ban Ki-moon) and ambassadors of the so-called
“friends of Haiti;” countries that refused to take responsibility after
MINUSTAH introduced cholera to Haiti. You say that this “transforms this peace
mission into one of the worst in the history of the United Nations.” Would you
be willing to testify in the current class action lawsuit, filed in a U.S.
federal court, accusing the U.N. of gross negligence and misconduct on behalf
of cholera victims in Haiti?
press source on early reports of the cholera epidemic being caused by MINUSTAH
in October 2010? You write about the “shameless” attitude of the United Nations
(including Edmond Mulet and Ban Ki-moon) and ambassadors of the so-called
“friends of Haiti;” countries that refused to take responsibility after
MINUSTAH introduced cholera to Haiti. You say that this “transforms this peace
mission into one of the worst in the history of the United Nations.” Would you
be willing to testify in the current class action lawsuit, filed in a U.S.
federal court, accusing the U.N. of gross negligence and misconduct on behalf
of cholera victims in Haiti?
RS: There is no doubt that
the fact that the United Nations — especially Edmond Mulet and Ban Ki-moon —
systematically denied its direct and scientifically-verified responsibility for
the introduction of the Vibrio cholera into Haiti, projects a lasting shadow
over that peace operation. What is shocking is not MINUSTAH’s carelessness and negligence.
What is shocking is the lie, turned into strategy, by the international
community. The connivance of the alleged “Group of Friends of Haiti”
(integrated at first by Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Chile, the
United States, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, as well
as Germany, France, Spain and Norway, in their role as Permanent Observers
before the OAS) in this genocide by negligence, constitutes an embarrassment
that will forever mark their relations with Haiti.
the fact that the United Nations — especially Edmond Mulet and Ban Ki-moon —
systematically denied its direct and scientifically-verified responsibility for
the introduction of the Vibrio cholera into Haiti, projects a lasting shadow
over that peace operation. What is shocking is not MINUSTAH’s carelessness and negligence.
What is shocking is the lie, turned into strategy, by the international
community. The connivance of the alleged “Group of Friends of Haiti”
(integrated at first by Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Chile, the
United States, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, as well
as Germany, France, Spain and Norway, in their role as Permanent Observers
before the OAS) in this genocide by negligence, constitutes an embarrassment
that will forever mark their relations with Haiti.
Even former President Clinton, in a
visit in early March 2012 to a hospital in the central region of Haiti,
publicly admitted that “I don’t know that the person who introduced cholera in
Haiti, the U.N. peacekeeper, or [U.N.] soldier from South Asia, was aware that
he was carrying the virus. It was the proximate cause of cholera. That is, he
was carrying the cholera strain. It came from his waste stream into the
waterways of Haiti, into the bodies of Haitians.” [1]
visit in early March 2012 to a hospital in the central region of Haiti,
publicly admitted that “I don’t know that the person who introduced cholera in
Haiti, the U.N. peacekeeper, or [U.N.] soldier from South Asia, was aware that
he was carrying the virus. It was the proximate cause of cholera. That is, he
was carrying the cholera strain. It came from his waste stream into the
waterways of Haiti, into the bodies of Haitians.” [1]
Although soon after he stated that
the absence of a sanitation system in Haiti propagated the epidemic, these
statements by the Special Envoy of the U.N. Secretary General for Haiti
represent the first major fissure in the denial strategy of the crime committed
by the United Nations.
the absence of a sanitation system in Haiti propagated the epidemic, these
statements by the Special Envoy of the U.N. Secretary General for Haiti
represent the first major fissure in the denial strategy of the crime committed
by the United Nations.
Currently, the United Nations hides
behind the immunity clause conferred by the Jul. 9, 2004 agreement signed with
Haiti legalizing MINUSTAH’s existence. Now, this agreement is void, since it
was not signed, as provided in the Haitian Constitution (Article 139), by the
Acting President of Haiti, Boniface Alexandre, but by the PM [Prime Minister]
Gerard Latortue. According to the 1969 and 1986 Vienna Conventions on the Law
of Treaties, any treaty signed by someone who lacks jus tractum — that is, treaty making power — is null and considered
ineffective.
behind the immunity clause conferred by the Jul. 9, 2004 agreement signed with
Haiti legalizing MINUSTAH’s existence. Now, this agreement is void, since it
was not signed, as provided in the Haitian Constitution (Article 139), by the
Acting President of Haiti, Boniface Alexandre, but by the PM [Prime Minister]
Gerard Latortue. According to the 1969 and 1986 Vienna Conventions on the Law
of Treaties, any treaty signed by someone who lacks jus tractum — that is, treaty making power — is null and considered
ineffective.
As with any legal action, without
validity it has no [legal] effect. The existence of a lack of consent — whether
due to the inability of state representatives to conclude a treaty or to an
imperfect ratification — results in the absolute voiding of the action (Vienna
Convention, Article 46, paragraph 1).
validity it has no [legal] effect. The existence of a lack of consent — whether
due to the inability of state representatives to conclude a treaty or to an
imperfect ratification — results in the absolute voiding of the action (Vienna
Convention, Article 46, paragraph 1).
With the contempt for Haitian
constitutional rites and for the legal principles that govern the Law of
Treaties, the United Nations demonstrated, once again, the constant levity with
which it treats Haitian matters. Responsible for establishing the rule of law
in the country, according to its own mission, the UN does not follow even its
own fundamental provisions, thus making the text that it supports and that
should legalize its actions in Haiti void and ineffective.
constitutional rites and for the legal principles that govern the Law of
Treaties, the United Nations demonstrated, once again, the constant levity with
which it treats Haitian matters. Responsible for establishing the rule of law
in the country, according to its own mission, the UN does not follow even its
own fundamental provisions, thus making the text that it supports and that
should legalize its actions in Haiti void and ineffective.
Therefore, the
UN’s last recourse in trying to deny its responsibility for introducing cholera
in Haiti can be easily circumvented, since MINUSTAH’s very existence is plagued
with illegalities.
UN’s last recourse in trying to deny its responsibility for introducing cholera
in Haiti can be easily circumvented, since MINUSTAH’s very existence is plagued
with illegalities.
Clearly, I am
and will always be available to any judicial power that deals with this case.
Even federal courts in the United States. If asked, I will testify, with the
goal of contributing to establish the truth of the facts and the search for
justice.
and will always be available to any judicial power that deals with this case.
Even federal courts in the United States. If asked, I will testify, with the
goal of contributing to establish the truth of the facts and the search for
justice.
Q: Were you threatened in any
way prior to your departure from Haiti? Since you were effectively fired, why
not name names and discuss the actions of the “Core Group” in 2010?
way prior to your departure from Haiti? Since you were effectively fired, why
not name names and discuss the actions of the “Core Group” in 2010?
RS: As a coordination
agency for the main foreign actors (states and international organizations) in
Haiti, a limited Core Group (which includes Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United
States, France, the UN, the OAS and the European Union) is an indispensable and
fundamental instrument in the relations between the international community and
the Haitian government. It is not about questioning its existence. What I was
able to verify was that on [election day] Nov. 28, 2010, in the absence of any
discussion or decision about the matter, [then head of MINUSTAH] Edmond Mulet,
speaking on behalf of the Core Group, tried to remove [then president of Haiti]
René Préval from power and to send him into exile. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy
in Port-au-Prince published a press release at 9 p.m. the same day dismissing
the voting results and imposing its position on the whole Core Group. Still,
the majority of the decisions in which I participated as representative to the
OAS in the Core Group during the years 2009 and 2010 were sensible and
important.
agency for the main foreign actors (states and international organizations) in
Haiti, a limited Core Group (which includes Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United
States, France, the UN, the OAS and the European Union) is an indispensable and
fundamental instrument in the relations between the international community and
the Haitian government. It is not about questioning its existence. What I was
able to verify was that on [election day] Nov. 28, 2010, in the absence of any
discussion or decision about the matter, [then head of MINUSTAH] Edmond Mulet,
speaking on behalf of the Core Group, tried to remove [then president of Haiti]
René Préval from power and to send him into exile. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy
in Port-au-Prince published a press release at 9 p.m. the same day dismissing
the voting results and imposing its position on the whole Core Group. Still,
the majority of the decisions in which I participated as representative to the
OAS in the Core Group during the years 2009 and 2010 were sensible and
important.
Q: You write about the
“maléfique ou perverse” (evil or perverse) relationship between NGOs and Haiti.
In your view, has this problem become institutionalized? You said some of the
NGOs exist only because of Haitian misfortune?
“maléfique ou perverse” (evil or perverse) relationship between NGOs and Haiti.
In your view, has this problem become institutionalized? You said some of the
NGOs exist only because of Haitian misfortune?
RS: There is a will —
deliberate or tacit — by the international community to bypass the Haitian
institutions and to give preference to Transnational Non-Governmental
Organizations (TNGOs). [2] Their overwhelming invasion following the earthquake
reached levels never before imagined. [Then] U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary
Clinton, herself pointed out in an interview some months after the earthquake
that more than 10,000 TNGOs were operating in Haiti. This means that there was
an increase in their presence of over 4,000% in the course of a short period of
time. This NGOization turns Haiti into what many have called a true “Republic
of the TNGOs.”
deliberate or tacit — by the international community to bypass the Haitian
institutions and to give preference to Transnational Non-Governmental
Organizations (TNGOs). [2] Their overwhelming invasion following the earthquake
reached levels never before imagined. [Then] U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary
Clinton, herself pointed out in an interview some months after the earthquake
that more than 10,000 TNGOs were operating in Haiti. This means that there was
an increase in their presence of over 4,000% in the course of a short period of
time. This NGOization turns Haiti into what many have called a true “Republic
of the TNGOs.”
In the face of a weakened state and
one that was almost destroyed by the earthquake, the emergency aid apparatus
had no option but to directly confront reality. Direct connections were
established with the victims and even those in charge of the UN system in Haiti
were not taken into account. A true pandemonium came into being in which
everyone decided on his own what to do, and when and how to do it.
one that was almost destroyed by the earthquake, the emergency aid apparatus
had no option but to directly confront reality. Direct connections were
established with the victims and even those in charge of the UN system in Haiti
were not taken into account. A true pandemonium came into being in which
everyone decided on his own what to do, and when and how to do it.
An optimistic and official report,
presented by Ban Ki-moon to the UN Security Council in October 2012, recognizes
that of the alleged US$ 5.78 billion in contributions made over the 2010-2012
period by bilateral and multilateral donors, a little less than 10% (US$ 556
million) was given to the Haitian government. It is worth mentioning that the
governments of the donor states use both private donations and public resources
to cover the spending of their own interventions in Haiti. As such, for
example, more than US$ 200 million in private donations from U.S. citizens
served to finance the transportation and stay of U.S. soldiers in Haiti soon
after the earthquake.
presented by Ban Ki-moon to the UN Security Council in October 2012, recognizes
that of the alleged US$ 5.78 billion in contributions made over the 2010-2012
period by bilateral and multilateral donors, a little less than 10% (US$ 556
million) was given to the Haitian government. It is worth mentioning that the
governments of the donor states use both private donations and public resources
to cover the spending of their own interventions in Haiti. As such, for
example, more than US$ 200 million in private donations from U.S. citizens
served to finance the transportation and stay of U.S. soldiers in Haiti soon
after the earthquake.
Traditionally in Haiti, the “goods”
such as hospitals, schools and humanitarian aid are delivered by the private
sector, while the “bads” — that is, police enforcement — is the state’s
responsibility. The earthquake further deepened this terrible dichotomy.
such as hospitals, schools and humanitarian aid are delivered by the private
sector, while the “bads” — that is, police enforcement — is the state’s
responsibility. The earthquake further deepened this terrible dichotomy.
The circle was closed with the
ideological discourse to justify this way of proceeding. According to this
[discourse], the transfer of resources is done through the TNGOs for the simple
reason that the Haitian state suffers from total and permanent corruption.
Sometimes, the lack of managerial capacity is cited. Therefore, there is
nothing more logical than to bypass public authorities without even thinking
that without a structured and effective state, no human society has managed to
develop.
ideological discourse to justify this way of proceeding. According to this
[discourse], the transfer of resources is done through the TNGOs for the simple
reason that the Haitian state suffers from total and permanent corruption.
Sometimes, the lack of managerial capacity is cited. Therefore, there is
nothing more logical than to bypass public authorities without even thinking
that without a structured and effective state, no human society has managed to
develop.
The former Governor General of
Canada, Michäelle Jean — of Haitian origin — is one of the rare voices in the
international community to propose a complete change of strategy. To her,
Canada, Michäelle Jean — of Haitian origin — is one of the rare voices in the
international community to propose a complete change of strategy. To her,
“Charity comes
from the heart, but sometimes, when it’s poorly organized, it contributes more
to the problems than to the solutions. Haiti is among the countries that’s been
transformed into a vast laboratory of all the experiments, all the tests, and
all the errors of the international aid system; of the faulty strategies that
have never generated results, that have never produced or achieved anything
that’s really sustainable despite the millions of dollars amassed in total disorder,
without long term vision and in a completely scattered fashion.” [3]
from the heart, but sometimes, when it’s poorly organized, it contributes more
to the problems than to the solutions. Haiti is among the countries that’s been
transformed into a vast laboratory of all the experiments, all the tests, and
all the errors of the international aid system; of the faulty strategies that
have never generated results, that have never produced or achieved anything
that’s really sustainable despite the millions of dollars amassed in total disorder,
without long term vision and in a completely scattered fashion.” [3]
Certainly, direct financial
cooperation with a state that has a lack of administrative capacity increases
the risk that resources will be misused. However, there is no other solution:
either the public management capacity of the Haitian state is strengthened or
we will keep plowing the sea.
cooperation with a state that has a lack of administrative capacity increases
the risk that resources will be misused. However, there is no other solution:
either the public management capacity of the Haitian state is strengthened or
we will keep plowing the sea.
Unfortunately, the international
community prefers to continue with the strategy that has already proved to be
thoroughly inefficient. It not only impedes financial transfers to Haitian
institutions, but it also tries to force them to channel their own meager
resources to be administrated by international organizations. There was, for
example, an attempt to transfer the PetroCaribe fund resources for Haiti to the
Interim Haiti Recovery Commission. The determined resistance by Préval and
Bellerive terminated this move. Nonetheless, in every election campaign, the
donor countries insist on having the resources of the Haitian treasury be
administered by the UN Development Program (UNDP). Therefore, the strategy of
the international community not only impedes institutional strengthening, but
it also takes away from the Haitian state the little financial autonomy that it
possesses.
community prefers to continue with the strategy that has already proved to be
thoroughly inefficient. It not only impedes financial transfers to Haitian
institutions, but it also tries to force them to channel their own meager
resources to be administrated by international organizations. There was, for
example, an attempt to transfer the PetroCaribe fund resources for Haiti to the
Interim Haiti Recovery Commission. The determined resistance by Préval and
Bellerive terminated this move. Nonetheless, in every election campaign, the
donor countries insist on having the resources of the Haitian treasury be
administered by the UN Development Program (UNDP). Therefore, the strategy of
the international community not only impedes institutional strengthening, but
it also takes away from the Haitian state the little financial autonomy that it
possesses.
The model imposed on Haiti since
2004 has two elements. On the one hand, there is the military presence through
MINUSTAH, and on the other the civil presence in the form of the TNGOs and the
alleged private development corporations. Added to these are the bilateral
strategies of the member states in the so-called Group of Friends of Haiti. In
interpreting the popular sentiment, it is impossible to disagree with these
words by Liliane Pierre-Paul:
2004 has two elements. On the one hand, there is the military presence through
MINUSTAH, and on the other the civil presence in the form of the TNGOs and the
alleged private development corporations. Added to these are the bilateral
strategies of the member states in the so-called Group of Friends of Haiti. In
interpreting the popular sentiment, it is impossible to disagree with these
words by Liliane Pierre-Paul:
“The great
majority of Haitians weren’t mistaken and the promises ultimately did nothing
to change the disastrous perception of an international community that was
bureaucratic, condescending, wasteful, inefficient, and lacking in soul,
modesty and creativity.” [4]
majority of Haitians weren’t mistaken and the promises ultimately did nothing
to change the disastrous perception of an international community that was
bureaucratic, condescending, wasteful, inefficient, and lacking in soul,
modesty and creativity.” [4]
As long as this model is not
significantly revamped there will be no solution. Social vulnerability and the
precariousness of the state continue to be major Haitian characteristics. With
the model applied by the international community through the UN system, the
TNGOs and the United States, we are deceiving ourselves, misleading world
public opinion and frustrating the Haitian people.
significantly revamped there will be no solution. Social vulnerability and the
precariousness of the state continue to be major Haitian characteristics. With
the model applied by the international community through the UN system, the
TNGOs and the United States, we are deceiving ourselves, misleading world
public opinion and frustrating the Haitian people.
Q: What are your thoughts on
the amount of agricultural land taken out of production to make way for the
Caracol Industrial Park, a $300 million public-private partnership among a
diverse set of stakeholders??
the amount of agricultural land taken out of production to make way for the
Caracol Industrial Park, a $300 million public-private partnership among a
diverse set of stakeholders??
RS: Caracol symbolizes a
development policy far more than any loss of mainly agricultural lands. It so
happens that the Caracol model was used during the dictatorship of Jean-Claude
Duvalier and its results are known to everyone. As a complement to agricultural
production, Caracol is acceptable. Nonetheless, to want to turn Haiti into a
“Taiwan of the Caribbean” [5] is to completely disregard the social,
anthropological, historical and economic characteristics of the country.
development policy far more than any loss of mainly agricultural lands. It so
happens that the Caracol model was used during the dictatorship of Jean-Claude
Duvalier and its results are known to everyone. As a complement to agricultural
production, Caracol is acceptable. Nonetheless, to want to turn Haiti into a
“Taiwan of the Caribbean” [5] is to completely disregard the social,
anthropological, historical and economic characteristics of the country.
Q: You write that Venezuela’s
PetroCaribe initiative was a key motive for the U.S. government’s turn against
Préval. Why then do you think the U.S. and the OAS wanted a candidate – Michel
Martelly – in the second round of elections who would ultimately be even friendlier
with Venezuela? Do you think Martelly’s relations with Venezuela might pose a
threat to him as well?
PetroCaribe initiative was a key motive for the U.S. government’s turn against
Préval. Why then do you think the U.S. and the OAS wanted a candidate – Michel
Martelly – in the second round of elections who would ultimately be even friendlier
with Venezuela? Do you think Martelly’s relations with Venezuela might pose a
threat to him as well?
RS: Compared to the
alleged development cooperation model imposed by the international community on
Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela follow absolutely opposite paths. Whatever our
opinion about the domestic policies of these countries, it cannot be denied
that their form of cooperation takes into account more the demands and needs
expressed by Haitians themselves. Cuba — lacking financial resources and rich in
human resources –since 1998 has implemented a local family health and medicine
program that reaches the most remote places in Haiti. Cuban medical diplomacy
directly benefits the most humble of the Haitian people and attempts to
compensate for the brain drain in the health sector promoted by certain western
countries, particularly Canada.
alleged development cooperation model imposed by the international community on
Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela follow absolutely opposite paths. Whatever our
opinion about the domestic policies of these countries, it cannot be denied
that their form of cooperation takes into account more the demands and needs
expressed by Haitians themselves. Cuba — lacking financial resources and rich in
human resources –since 1998 has implemented a local family health and medicine
program that reaches the most remote places in Haiti. Cuban medical diplomacy
directly benefits the most humble of the Haitian people and attempts to
compensate for the brain drain in the health sector promoted by certain western
countries, particularly Canada.
In turn, although recent, the
Venezuelan development cooperation offered to Haiti asserts itself as a new
paradigm in the Caribbean Basin. It is sustained through the following trilogy:
on the one hand, Caracas listens to the Haitian claims and strives to make its
offers and possibilities compatible with these demands. On the other, nothing
is carried out without the knowledge and previous consent of the public
institutions and the Haitian government. Finally, the cooperation aims to bring
direct benefits to the Haitian people without taking into consideration any
ideological discrepancy there may be with the incumbent government in Haiti.
This is a principle equally espoused by Cuba and it explains not only the
absence of any interference by the two countries during the election crisis of
2010, but also the excellent relations maintained, both by Havana and Caracas,
with the Martelly administration.
Venezuelan development cooperation offered to Haiti asserts itself as a new
paradigm in the Caribbean Basin. It is sustained through the following trilogy:
on the one hand, Caracas listens to the Haitian claims and strives to make its
offers and possibilities compatible with these demands. On the other, nothing
is carried out without the knowledge and previous consent of the public
institutions and the Haitian government. Finally, the cooperation aims to bring
direct benefits to the Haitian people without taking into consideration any
ideological discrepancy there may be with the incumbent government in Haiti.
This is a principle equally espoused by Cuba and it explains not only the
absence of any interference by the two countries during the election crisis of
2010, but also the excellent relations maintained, both by Havana and Caracas,
with the Martelly administration.
The PetroCaribe program is the crown
jewel of Haitian-Venezuelan cooperation. Everything is put into it. Everything
depends on it. In the face of a true boycott of Haitian public power promoted
by the so-called Group of Friends of Haiti, the resources made available by the
PetroCaribe program represented, in 2013, 94% of the investment capacity of the
Haitian state. [6]
jewel of Haitian-Venezuelan cooperation. Everything is put into it. Everything
depends on it. In the face of a true boycott of Haitian public power promoted
by the so-called Group of Friends of Haiti, the resources made available by the
PetroCaribe program represented, in 2013, 94% of the investment capacity of the
Haitian state. [6]
Most of the beneficiary countries —
as with Haiti — do not include the resources from the PetroCaribe program in
the national budget, preventing legal and accounting oversight. This situation
generates distrust and criticism, both domestic and foreign, due to the lack of
transparency in using them.
as with Haiti — do not include the resources from the PetroCaribe program in
the national budget, preventing legal and accounting oversight. This situation
generates distrust and criticism, both domestic and foreign, due to the lack of
transparency in using them.
Far beyond its results, the
philosophy on which the Venezuelan cooperation is based contrasts with that of
the developed countries. The energetic Pedro Antonio Canino Gonzalez,
Venezuelan ambassador in Port-au-Prince since 2007, highlights the principles
that guide the actions of the ALBA countries in Haiti: “We did not come to
carry out an electoral campaign in Haiti. Why would we make spurious
commitments? Venezuela’s assistance aims to attenuate the Haitian people’s
misery without any strings attached. My government isn’t even interested in the
Haitian Republic’s diplomatic relations with other countries, including the
U.S.. This is a prerogative of the Haitian authorities, who are free to have
relations with whomever they wish.” [7]
philosophy on which the Venezuelan cooperation is based contrasts with that of
the developed countries. The energetic Pedro Antonio Canino Gonzalez,
Venezuelan ambassador in Port-au-Prince since 2007, highlights the principles
that guide the actions of the ALBA countries in Haiti: “We did not come to
carry out an electoral campaign in Haiti. Why would we make spurious
commitments? Venezuela’s assistance aims to attenuate the Haitian people’s
misery without any strings attached. My government isn’t even interested in the
Haitian Republic’s diplomatic relations with other countries, including the
U.S.. This is a prerogative of the Haitian authorities, who are free to have
relations with whomever they wish.” [7]
This is the exact opposite of the
long and constantly increasing list of conditionalities that characterizes the
cooperation offered by the west. With disregard for national idiosyncrasies,
the idea of democracy is used as a screen to camouflage their own national
interests.
long and constantly increasing list of conditionalities that characterizes the
cooperation offered by the west. With disregard for national idiosyncrasies,
the idea of democracy is used as a screen to camouflage their own national
interests.
The United States and its allies in
Haiti should pay attention to the lessons of the young Venezuelan cooperation because,
in addition to respect for the public institutions of the host state, as a
current Haitian leader bluntly states, ” Friendship with a country as poor and
with as many needs as Haiti isn’t measured in the number of years of
domination, but in how many millions are on the table. “[8]
Haiti should pay attention to the lessons of the young Venezuelan cooperation because,
in addition to respect for the public institutions of the host state, as a
current Haitian leader bluntly states, ” Friendship with a country as poor and
with as many needs as Haiti isn’t measured in the number of years of
domination, but in how many millions are on the table. “[8]
Although the PetroCaribe program is
based on an anti-imperialist and liberationist discourse to mark a break
between Monroe and Bolivar, it is, in fact, a counter model to traditional
development aid from the developed countries and international organizations.
In the universe of the international cooperation provided to Haiti, Venezuela
constitutes an exception, being the only one that provides, regularly,
financial resources directly to the Haitian state. [9]
based on an anti-imperialist and liberationist discourse to mark a break
between Monroe and Bolivar, it is, in fact, a counter model to traditional
development aid from the developed countries and international organizations.
In the universe of the international cooperation provided to Haiti, Venezuela
constitutes an exception, being the only one that provides, regularly,
financial resources directly to the Haitian state. [9]
(To be continued)
* This article was originally published under the
title “International Crossroads and Failures in Haiti” by the LA Progressive. Georgianne Nienaber is a freelance writer
and author and frequent contributor to LA Progressive. Dan Beeton is International
Communications Director at the Center for Economic and Policy Research and a
frequent contributor to its “Haiti: Relief and Reconstruction Watch”
blog.
title “International Crossroads and Failures in Haiti” by the LA Progressive. Georgianne Nienaber is a freelance writer
and author and frequent contributor to LA Progressive. Dan Beeton is International
Communications Director at the Center for Economic and Policy Research and a
frequent contributor to its “Haiti: Relief and Reconstruction Watch”
blog.
Notes
1. ABC News,
March 9, 2012. Accessed January 7, 2014.
March 9, 2012. Accessed January 7, 2014.
2. Seitenfus:
“I prefer the term TNGO because I am only referring to the foreign
non-governmental organizations that operate in Haiti.”
“I prefer the term TNGO because I am only referring to the foreign
non-governmental organizations that operate in Haiti.”
3. In Le Nouvelliste, Michaelle Jean:
Présidente d’Haïti ? , Port-au-Prince, March 25, 2013.
Présidente d’Haïti ? , Port-au-Prince, March 25, 2013.
4. La grande manip in
Pierre Buteau, Rodney Saint-Eloi and Lyonel Trouillot, Refonder Haïti ?,
