HAITIAN DIASPORA FORUM - CLOSING REMARKS BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL ALBERT RAMDIN

March 23, 2010 - Washington, DC

Minister Edwin Paraison,
Distinguished Ambassadors and Representatives of Member States,
Friends of the Haitian Diaspora,
OAS Colleagues,
Moderators, Technical Experts and Rapporteurs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased and inspired by this historic conference of the global Haitian Diaspora and the results achieved. I feel this initiative was overdue, as for very long we have been referring to the Haitians living abroad as an invaluable resource for peace and prosperity in Haiti. Even though we are still caught in the humanitarian and relief efforts, your presence and discussions have brought more than a sense of hope, a conviction of available capacity that can be tapped for the benefit of the Haitian people, and a new vision of close collaboration between Haitians within and Haitians without.

Like all of you, I had the opportunity to witness the amazing brain power that can bring transformation in Haiti. State Representative Marie St Fleur, Advisor Patrick Gaspard and other Representatives of the Haitian Diaspora blazed a new path in inviting all the Haitians, indeed the whole world, to dream of a new Haiti, to feel it and to walk toward this new prospect with integrity, resolve and respect for the rule of law. I believe this path is the right way to educate Haitian children, to provide health to the population, to restore the environment, to build capacity and institutions, to bring about short-term recovery and long-term reconstruction, and to spur sustainable economic and social development for all in urban and rural areas.

As you know, the views you have expressed over these two days, the recommendations you have produced and all your contributions are encapsulated in a document that will enrich the reconstruction process culminating in the International Donors’ Conference towards a New Future for Haiti in New York on March 31. In six workshops, you have had an opportunity to address issues pertaining to the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), and pertinent to the rebirth, or as former Prime Minister Patterson of Jamaica and CARICOM Special Envoy for Haiti put it, “the renaissance” of your country. I was pleased to observe the camaraderie among you which facilitated the work of the moderators and technical experts. This exercise speaks loudly of the potential of the Haitian people and your leadership.

Beyond your contributions to the reconstruction and development plan of Haiti in the aftermath of the massive earthquake of January 12, this first forum of its kind initiates a new culture of the Diaspora, that will be meeting, I hope on a regular basis, to address key issues affecting Haiti using the available communication technology to stay in touch and strengthen each other’s hands. By organizing yourselves and by working together as one Diaspora, not only will you inspire and empower your fellow citizens, but also you will place yourselves in a position to be important partners capable of cooperation with bilateral and multilateral entities, as Haiti resumes its quest for freedom, equality and fraternity.

I particularly like a thought coming from one of your recommendations and I quote: “Haitian nationals and the Haitian Diaspora possess the intellectual and creative capital to rebuild the country towards prosperity. Resources in the form of training, financial capital, re-enfranchisement of its citizenships, repatriation, technical assistance, investment in schools, education, health, cultural patrimony and the environment must be made by the Haitian government to buoy the unprecedented talent, efforts at resource mobilization, political will, vision and courage at its disposal. The Haitian government must facilitate the enrichment of Haitians first: practically, spiritually, morally, economically and intellectually before it enables this for others. Inclusionary processes, implementation of best practices, transparency and good governance enable our collective move towards a progressive and sustain change.”

I will be going to Haiti early April to start discussion on the support to the electoral process in Haiti and I have read the views of the Haitian Diaspora in this regard.

Friends,

You have engaged in constructive deliberation over these two days. Now is the time for implementation. Now is the time for action. Far from being an end, this forum is just a beginning. It is the beginning of your constant involvement in the affairs of Haiti. It is the beginning of increased investment in Haiti to create jobs and wealth for all. It is the beginning to engage concretely in helping your brothers and sisters to shoulder their burden. Let me assure you that the OAS stands ready to support your efforts, as we stand ready to accompany President Preval, Prime Minister Bellerive and the whole Government of Haiti, in its determination to forge a peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous nation.

We will help Haiti high in the political of the OAS and you can be assured that in that process we will keep reminding the President and the Prime Minister of the promises made. And I see no problem to offer the OAS facilities for an annual Haitian Diaspora, if it is done in close collaboration with the Government of Haiti, the Diaspora, the private sector, and the international community.

In closing, I would like to thank all of you the owners of this forum, in particular those who traveled from Canada, France, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Spain, Mexico, different states in the US, and elsewhere. Thanks to the moderators, technical experts and rapporteurs. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Member states of the OAS, especially Canada, the US and France for their financial support. Sincere thanks to Minister Paraison and the Government of Haiti for their support for this event. Let me mention that Ambassador Duly Brutus and his team have worked tirelessly to make this forum happen. Kellogg Foundation also deserves our thanks for its contribution. Last, but not least I express appreciation for the staff of the General Secretariat whose capacity and resolve made the exercise possible, Adam Blackwell, Irene Klinger and their staff, my own staff, and technical experts from all the departments of the General Secretariat. Thanks to you all.

I would like to conclude with a motto I presented to the Permanent Council about my vision of the OAS. Our organization must focus on 3 Ps: people, peace and prosperity. I believe this coincides with your vision. Let’s make it happen for Haiti.

Ansanm, nou ka fè sa rive pou Ayiti!

Thank you
Mèsi Anpil.