CARICOM Envoy suggests measures for rebirth of Haiti

KINGSTON, Jamaica, February 8, 2010 – Special Envoy on Haiti Disaster Relief, former Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, has suggested several long term measures for the rebuilding of the earthquake ravaged nation, Haiti, which he says will ensure the rebirth of the country.

"Simply putting back what was there before the earthquake will not be enough," he said, adding that a "renaissance, the rebirth of a new Haiti on the economic side, the social side, in terms of human development and in terms of the environment" should be developed.

Patterson was addressing journalists at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, following a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mission to Haiti.

"CARICOM has to recognise that Haiti is its most populous member state and we have an opportunity of moving Haiti from what is usually described as the bottom of the misery totem pole into a nation that reflects pride and history of persons who won their freedom over 200 years ago,” he said.

To this end, he noted that CARICOM Heads will be helping to accelerate this process in accordance with their portfolio responsibilities, in terms of governance, sustainable development, internal negotiations, and health issues, "which will enable the establishment of institutional links with Haiti, so that we can work together to achieve our ends."

Patterson added that the mobilisation of the donor conference and the finalisation of the development plan, which was already established before the disaster occurred on January 12th, are critical.

He said the development plan will have to be re-examined in terms of the priorities, timetable and resources that will be needed, adding that the Haitian administration has already asked for assistance in the course of international advocacy.

"We have to bring the whole collective weight of our diplomatic experience and network to bear in assisting Haiti to make the best presentation of their case. It is accepted that the final result must be a product for which Haiti can claim ownership. If that is to be so, we must ensure at all times that the interests of Haiti are paramount," Patterson said. (Adapted from JIS)