Below is a report released by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the current state of reconstruction efforts in Haiti.  It identifies ten critical issues for rebuilding Haiti.  A recurring theme is the tension between the desire for the Haitian government to lead and the reality that, without increased human and technical resources, it will not be able to do so.  Financial resources alone will not be sufficient.  The report also emphasizes the United States Government must do a better job of coordinating with the broader international donor community and ensure that it supports Haitian plans/priorities.  For now, Haiti remains at a crossroads between relief and development.   Read more »

The United States Institute of Peace is a nonpartisan, independent think tank (or at least as independent as possible given that it was established and funded by Congress.) Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide.  The Institute has a Haiti Working Group, which meets monthly and is open to anyone interested in Haiti.  The Group periodically publishes papers or organizes Haiti related events. Last week, the Working Group held a panel called The End of Poverty in Haiti. Read more »

Is it incompetence or corruption? Just 5 days after the election this past Tuesday Haitians are demanding results now and the loudest demands are coming from Preval’s camp. All over Haitian radio stations today citizens called in to encourage people to “Pran la ri a”, “Reklame vot la” (Take to the streets, Reclaim the vote). As the CEP continues to tabulate the vote and Preval’s percentage drops his supporters are screaming corruption even though he still holds a commanding lead, last reported as 49% of the vote, but just short of the 50% needed to win the first round outright. This lead after the Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas were tabulated teetered around 70% but as votes came in from around the country where Preval has less support his numbers naturally started to decline. Read more »

On Friday of next week, I will travel to Port-au-Price to begin training as an official election observer. The six-day trip will begin with security and observation training. I will then be paired with a State Department employee to begin outreach activities in communities throughout the city. Details beyond my first couple days are still forthcoming; however, I should have nightly access to the Internet, so expect to see daily updates of the election begining February 3rd. I hope to provide details you might not otherwise hear or see reported in the news. If you have any questions, feel free to continue to contact me at robert@haitiinnovation.org. Read more »