About This Essay
It unfolds in two distinct parts:
The Letter: A direct address to the Haitian youth, represented by Caroline, Elodie, and Amélie. It serves as a call to action, appealing directly to the spirit of young leaders poised to shape Haiti's future. It highlights the crucial role that these individuals play in the transformative process of their country.
Commentary: Following the letter is my commentary. This section provides my perspective on the choices Haiti currently faces, exploring the implications of these choices for the future.
PART I. Leadership proportionate to the moment
Reflecting on nations like Rwanda, Uganda, Singapore, and Panama, we observe a common thread: the profound impact of visionary leadership. These leaders are not merely bureaucrats; they are visionaries. They understand that true prosperity is supported by both economic progress and robust governance.
To Caroline, Elodie, and Amélie:
Two centuries ago, forged in the fires of rebellion and bravery, Haiti was born from the ashes of slavery, declaring to the world its unyielding thirst for freedom. Today, we stand at another pivotal moment—calling not for the birth of a nation, but for its rebirth through the hands of visionary leaders.
The difficulties you face are formidable, mirrored in the trials of past leaders across the globe who stood firm in their convictions amid turmoil. As historians might remind us, history is often shaped by those who, in moments of profound challenge, rise with a vision that reshapes the world. Let their legacy inspire you to harness your collective will to forge a path forward.
Your leadership must be proportionate to this moment—magnanimous, tenacious, competent, measured, humble, and driven by a deep commitment to the common good. The nation you have inherited was conceived in violence. Passion was the necessary conduit at the dawn of the 19th Century, but don’t let it be the enemy in the future you imagine.
If hunger pains, let it fuel your desire for change.
As you ponder the nature of the world that often seems indifferent to your aspirations, remember that your actions today lay the foundation for tomorrow. Haiti's path forward will be formed not by those who cling to power through fear and corruption but by those like you, who dare to step forward.
May you always have the strength to pursue your visions, to rise and uplift Haiti alongside you, creating a society where freedom and prosperity coexist. Your leadership is the key to a future where economic growth and civil liberties flourish together.
So as the sun casts its long shadows over the slums, streets and alleys where you dream, let this letter serve as a symbol of hope for what can be achieved. Remember, it always seems impossible until it is done. May you step forward with the resolve to shape a future as luminous as your boundless potential.
With all hope for your journey (Kenbela!),
Jean-Rony
PART II. Commentary
When I landed in Port-au-Prince in the sweltering heat of 2018, the city greeted me as it always had: with a cacophony of sounds and an energy as palpable as the gray dust swirling over its crowded streets. Returning to the place where I was raised always held a certain joy, heightened by the presence of my ridiculously handsome younger brother, who never failed to meet me at the airport. He playfully chided me about my slender, somewhat somber appearance that day—and me? I was simply happy to see him. This time, however, as soon as I stepped outside the airport around midday, the distinct smell of wet concrete, fresh from a recent downpour, filled the air. This was a sharp reminder of nature's resilience amid the city’s chaos, blending the fresh, earthy smell of rain-soaked streets with the warm tones of the sunlit city.
We got into the car. As he drove through the streets, the contrast between vitality and neglect was noticeable. Countless youthful faces—boys and girls who should have been in school—clustered at every corner, their hands outstretched, pleading for any help they could get from anyone. The sight weighed heavily on me. These teenagers, looking to be about 15 years old, represented more than just lost youth; they were the fading promise of a nation in desperate need of its every intellectual resource. At night, they likely go to bed hungry, their stomachs as empty as the promises made to them, embodying an image of potential and perseverance withering in slow motion.
Each face told a story of a city forever marked by its tumultuous history, an entire generation bearing the weight of deep-seated misery, yet each non-smiling face also spoke of hope, a relentless hope that flows through the veins of those accustomed to adversity.
What would Trouillot say?
Amid these scenes of contrast and struggle, one wonders how these moments are captured or lost in the annals of history. Michel-Rolph Trouillot, a renowned Haitian anthropologist, offers a compelling perspective on this in his book, Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History.1 He dives into how history isn’t just shaped by the facts but by those in power. Ever thought about who gets to tell their story and who doesn’t?
As you walk through Port-au-Prince, consider each face and corner telling its own story. Many of these narratives might never hit the history books because they lack influential backers. Trouillot urges us to question what we accept as historical "fact" and consider what might have been deliberately left out. Understanding these overlooked stories is crucial; they shed light on more than individual struggles — they reveal the broader narratives that define a nation’s identity.
This isn’t just academic theory. This impacts real people, policies, and how societies are shaped. By adopting Trouillot’s perspective, we start to see the full array of forces shaping our view of Haiti today.
So next time you come across a narrative about Haiti's past or present, ask yourself: Whose perspective am I hearing? What’s being left out? Trouillot reminds us that history isn't just about the past; it’s alive; it’s actively shaping how we think, perceive, and make decisions today.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and other scholars echo these sentiments, emphasizing the need to scrutinize power structures within historical narratives. Their work underscores the importance of engaging critically with the stories we're told. Spivak, in particular, urges us to consider whose voices are amplified or muted. Similarly, Aristotle brings another layer to this discussion, focusing on the virtues that underpin our lives and the potential within each individual that can shape societies.
What would Aristotle say?
These faces in Haiti revealed a mix of pain and belief, reflecting a people who have faced adversity for generations. This reminded me of Aristotle’s teachings on human fulfillment, where he noted that, “The human good turns out to be activity of the soul in accordance with virtue…” (Nicomachean Ethics, 1098a17). In other words, true happiness and life's purpose are achieved by living virtuously, which inherently involves realizing one's fullest potential. This philosophical view underscores that each individual's potential is not just a personal asset but a crucial component of the community's well-being. Thus, when young minds in environments like Haiti are not sufficiently cultivated—when their innate capabilities are not developed through education and healthy living—the loss transcends the individual. It becomes a communal tragedy, for the city and society suffer as much as any deprived youth. A nation’s future thrives on the foundation of its youth's realized potential. Therefore, the consequences of neglecting children in Haiti extend far beyond the present - far beyond its borders. They ripple outward, affecting socio-economic development and stability for generations. It is imperative, therefore, that we view the nurturing of every young person not just as a moral obligation but as a critical investment in our collective future. A country, as much as any individual within it, suffers profoundly when its youth are left behind, their potential untapped and their dreams unfulfilled.
To illustrate the impact of education on societal outcomes, let’s consider a familiar example. The chart below compares women’s educational attainment with fertility rates in Haiti versus neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic. Women in Haiti typically have lower levels of education and higher fertility rates, highlighting a missed opportunity for economic and social development. In contrast, the Dominican Republic shows that higher educational attainment among women correlates with lower fertility rates, underlining the positive effects of educational investment on societal outcomes. This comparison emphasizes the importance of education in enhancing the quality of life in Haiti.
It might have been my third visit since the devastating 2010 earthquake. Each return to Port-au-Prince served as a sharp reminder of what remained unchanged amid the slowly healing wounds of the city. As I traveled toward my parents' home, the tangible scars are there for all to see—amputees navigating pothole-littered streets, buildings still exposing their skeletal wounds—spoke less of physical damage and more of a deeper, lingering pain. Each sight of destruction not only echoed the turmoil within me but also mirrored the emptiness, a reflection of the internal agony that comes from seeing one's childhood memories dissolve before one's eyes.
It had been eight years since the earthquake. No signs of reconstruction. But as we drove, amid the echoes of past and present struggles, a relentless, perhaps irrational hope refused to succumb to despair. This hope did not stem from naïve optimism but from a profound confrontation with reality—an optimism born of despair, acknowledging that rebuilding the place was not just possible but necessary. This 2018 trip lasted only three days and three nights.
The streets of Port-au-Prince had not been vibrant for decades. Fast forward to 2021, and the echoes of my past visits mingled with the harsher realities that unfolded. On a quiet July morning, I received news that shook me to my core. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his home sent shockwaves through the nation, deepening the political turmoil and pushing Haiti into a spiral of violence and disorder. The streets, now whispered tales of fear and uncertainty. In response to the escalating chaos, all flights to Haiti were canceled, cutting off a crucial link to the outside world and trapping the turmoil within the nation’s borders.
On that very day, July 7, the personal and the national tragically intersected for me, marking a moment of profound loss and reflection. While the world's eyes were turned to the unfolding crisis in Haiti, my own world was quietly fracturing in ways too deep for words. The weight of grief enveloped me, a silent echo to the public outcry that filled the streets of Port-au-Prince, now a city both figuratively and literally isolated. Unable to return, unable to mourn as one should, I found myself grappling with a sorrow that mirrored the despair and chaos of a country on the brink. In this dual reality of personal and collective crisis, the events of the day left an indelible mark, reshaping my perception of home and the fragility of life itself.
Each event layered new scars upon old wounds, prompting a desperate question that haunts my every visit: Will this ever stop?
Three possible futures for Haiti
Possibility 1: The status quo - If Haiti continues on its current path without significant changes, it risks not only ongoing political instability and economic stagnation but also an intensification of these crises. This trajectory could lead to greater dependency on remittances, foreign aid and a continuous brain drain, potentially resulting in the collapse of public services and more widespread social unrest. The subsequent developments would be unpredictable, possibly spiraling into a more profound national crisis that could affect regional stability. In detailing the current economic challenges, the June 2023 IMF Country Report notes that:
Haiti faces a challenging macroeconomic outlook amid a dire humanitarian crisis. The country has been hit hard by economic spillovers from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including food price inflation that has triggered a hunger crisis. This global shock has been compounded by a highly volatile security situation in Haiti, which has heightened the economy’s fragility.
Let me say a few words about inflation. In Haiti, the rising lines of the CPI are like the rising waters of a flood, slowly submerging homes and hopes alike, leaving families clinging to the rooftops of their resilience in an economy that keeps washing away the foundations of their security.
In the world of economics, inflation isn't just a statistic; it's a story that tells us about the health of an economy and the pressures faced by its people. In Haiti, this story has been particularly severe, marked by significant rises in prices that affect everyday life. Looking at the above chart showing inflation trends in Haiti since 2017, we see two lines: the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Food CPI.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), represented by the blue line, measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a broad basket of consumer goods and services. This line shows a troubling upward trend, indicating that life is getting more expensive not just in bits and pieces but across the board.
The Food CPI, shown by the orange line, tracks the changes specifically in the cost of food. This line is crucial because it often rises faster than the general CPI, highlighting how basic necessities like food become more expensive, which can be devastating for families already near or below the poverty line. The sharp increase around May 2020, for instance, aligns with the global economic upheaval triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting how external events can impact local economies profoundly.
The trends depicted in the above chart reveal the severe challenges facing Haitians as prices continue to escalate. Each line tells a crucial part of Haiti’s economic story, not just in terms of numbers but in their profound impact on the daily lives and sustainability of its people. The continual rise in the CPI through 2023 highlights that economic pressures are not subsiding, making daily life increasingly difficult for all.
As inflation has soared, remittances have remained resilient. However, it is important to consider the implications of this resilience. In 2020 and 2021, remittances surged to nearly 25% of Haiti's GDP, a figure that underscores the nation's heavy dependency on its diaspora to support mostly basic consumption and stimulate investment. While these funds provide support to families back home, they also introduce vulnerabilities. Haiti's economic future becomes closely tied to the economic fortunes of Haitians abroad rather than to domestic developments. This dynamic raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability of such heavy reliance on external financial flows.
Possibility 2: Deterioration - What if things get worse? Tyler Cowen, a well-known economist at George Mason University, has raised important questions about Haiti's future, highlighting the challenges the country faces in maintaining governability. Cowen notes that new forces, such as drug money and foreign influences, seem to overpower incentives for national stability and governance in the 21st Century. Here is Cowen:
….at the moment there doesn’t seem to be any way to govern Haiti. One problem is that foreign flows of money, whether from the drug trade or from Venezuelan foreign aid, have overwhelmed the domestic incentives to play by the rules. Haiti’s political institutions are mostly consumed by bribes and rents, with no stable center. The news, so to speak, is that such problems do not always have solutions. At all.
It is fine to suggest that Haiti invest in … institutions — but those institutions have been unraveling for decades. I was a frequent visitor to the country in the 1990s, and although the poverty was severe, it was possible to travel with only a modest risk of encountering trouble. Government was largely ineffective, but it did exist.
These days the risk of kidnapping is so high that a visit is unthinkable.
Then this:
The buildup and rise of nation-states has become so ordinary that the opposite possibility is now neglected: their enduring collapse. It’s not history running in reverse. It’s that modernity has created new forces and incentives — drug money, kidnapping ransoms, payments from foreign powers, and so on — that can be stronger and more alluring than the usual reasons for supporting an internal national political order. If the rest of the world gets rich more quickly than you do, it might have the resources to effectively neutralize your incentives for peace and good government.
If Cowen is right - that modern pressures and external economic interests might increasingly undermine the nation's sovereignty and internal order - this would likely exacerbate the risks of social breakdown and invariably lead to a state of enduring collapse.
Possibility 3: A turnaround - I try hard to disagree with Cowen but can’t. However, despite formidable challenges, countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Singapore, Panama and others have demonstrated that turnarounds are possible. These countries have shown varying degrees of economic success, often accompanied by strong governmental control and strategic policy implementations. However, each case also carries concerns regarding democratic freedoms and governance practices.
Consider Rwanda, which after a devastating genocide, has managed to achieve impressive economic growth by creating a business-friendly environment that attracts both tourists and investors. However, it's crucial to note that Rwanda's government maintains tight control over political processes. For those interested in a deeper dive into the historical and political context of Rwanda's recovery, the documentary “30 ans après, retour sur le génocide” offers a look at the genocide and its aftermath. For Haiti, adopting Rwanda’s aggressive strategies toward economic development could be beneficial, but it would be essential to balance these with greater political inclusiveness to avoid the pitfalls of authoritarianism.
Uganda presents another interesting case. Since the 1980s, it has transformed its economy with significant growth in the agricultural sector, driven by liberalizing economic policies and substantial public infrastructure investments. These investments have facilitated economic activities, particularly in agriculture, which is a major sector of the economy. According to the IMF Country Report and this FAO analysis, these reforms, alongside infrastructure developments, have contributed to a reduction in the poverty rate by 23 percent over the last two decades. However, this growth has come at a cost—political suppression and concerns about the long-term sustainability of its authoritarian regime. Notably, Uganda has faced international criticism for its draconian laws against the LGBT community, which have been highlighted in global media, including an article in the New York Times. These laws represent a serious violation of human rights. For Haiti, focusing on agriculture could yield significant benefits due to similar demographic and geographic conditions, but it is crucial that this development is coupled with efforts to ensure political freedoms are upheld. Haiti must learn from Uganda's example and strive to balance economic development with the protection of civil liberties and human rights. They must ensure that growth does not come at the expense of freedom.2
Now, let's look at Singapore, arguably one of the most successful economic transformations of the 20th century. They are really rich. Through strategic planning, anti-corruption measures, and an emphasis on high-quality education and public administration, Singapore has become a global financial hub. However, the trade-off has been in areas of personal freedoms and political restrictions. While Singapore's wealth is largely due to strategic government policies and geographical advantages that Haiti might find challenging to replicate, there are adaptable strategies from Singapore's model that could benefit Haiti. Implementing a government-controlled public housing development could address Haiti's housing shortages and improve living standards by making homes more affordable and supporting economic growth with a strong regulatory framework. Additionally, adopting green urban planning could enhance city aesthetics and livability by integrating plant life and sustainable practices, thereby making urban areas more appealing and healthier. Furthermore, boosting educational investments and skills development would prepare a workforce aligned with modern economic needs, potentially attracting more investment and enhancing job readiness among Haitian youth.
Panama’s use of its geographic advantage is nothing short of an economic lesson in leveraging what you have. The Panama Canal is not just a canal but a global logistics powerhouse that Panama has turned into an economic fulcrum, boosting its GDP and providing a model of how strategic asset management can transform an economy. Haiti, with its significant coastline and cultural riches, holds untapped potential in tourism and ports, which could similarly serve as economic catalysts. Moreover, Panama’s economic story tells us about the power of service sectors, especially finance and logistics, which Haiti could aim to replicate on its own scale. The banking sector in Panama contributes an enviable portion to its GDP. What stops Haiti from developing its own financial services sector, tailored to the needs of the Caribbean and leveraging diaspora wealth?
Photo by Gabriel Villaverde on Unsplash However, Panama’s story also carries warnings — the shiny skyscrapers and bustling ports are not the whole story. Issues of inequality, human rights abuse, and corruption remain. These are lessons for Haiti, suggesting that economic growth needs to be inclusive and well-managed to avoid exacerbating social inequalities or creating economic enclaves detached from the broader populace.
While the road ahead for Haiti is undeniably daunting, it remains unwritten. This much is clear: Haiti's future is tethered not only to the whims of external forces (Possibility 2) or past trends (Possibility 1) but crucially to the nature of its leadership—their competence, their temperament, their moral fiber, their vision. In the dance of destiny, these leaders are the choreographers. They hold the power to design a blueprint that transcends the constraints of the present, to mold a future that seems beyond reach. So I see leadership as the prerequisite to a turnaround: Possibility 3.
Empathy, action and hope
As dusk settles, I reflect from my balcony, overlooking calm waters that mirror the tranquility and the storm of thoughts within me. In these quiet moments, I'm reminded of Mandela’s resilience and his words: “It always seems impossible until it is done.” This belief in the attainable, despite the darkness, resonates deeply as I consider the daily struggles and dreams of Haitians like Caroline, Elodie, and Amélie. Their aspirations and the creativity of the Haitian people are the sparks that can ignite change, bridging the gap between the present challenges and a future of fulfilled promises.
Yet, embracing this optimism responsibly compels us to confront the harsh realities these young dreamers face. How can we ensure that their dream is not just a burden but a reality? As we advocate for change, guided by rational compassion as suggested by Paul Bloom and grassroots empowerment as championed by Rory Stewart, we must also identify and support tangible initiatives that nurture these individual dreams into collective achievements.34
Envision Caroline’s evening spent studying by candlelight to become a doctor, aspiring to heal; Elodie’s mornings dedicated to caring for her ailing mother while dreaming of designing buildings; and imagine Amélie’s weekends spent channeling her creativity into painting murals that tell random stories, inspired by her surroundings and fueled by social media. Their stories embody the quiet optimism that I carry within me—an optimism that sees local actions as the beginning of broader changes.5
Haiti’s renaissance will not be delivered by a single leader but will emerge from the united efforts of all Haitians. For a glimpse of what could be, read my inaugural piece, “Year 2054 at the United Nations! What Should the Haitian President Say to the General Assembly?” It presents a vision of a new Haiti—the vision I choose to believe in.
Thank you for joining me in this journey through Lafalaissance. Your active engagement propels this movement forward.
Notes:
Michel-Rolph Trouillot, Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (Boston: Beacon Press, 1995).
While there are some demographic similarities between Uganda and Haiti, notably their young populations, there significant differences in their geographic conditions, economic structures, and political contexts. Uganda’s relative success in agriculture is partly due to its favorable geography and sustained government policies, which are not directly comparable with Haiti’s challenging terrain and frequent natural disasters.
Paul Bloom, "Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion," Boston Review, October 10, 2014. Available online: https://www.bostonreview.net/forum/paul-bloom-against-empathy/.
Rory Stewart is a former British diplomat, politician, and author known for his expertise in international development and his emphasis on locally driven initiatives. Stewart's approach to development, which advocates for the empowerment of local communities as a critical component of sustainable growth and governance, is particularly pertinent to discussions on transformative strategies in regions like Haiti. For more information on Stewart's work and views, visit Rory Stewart's official website.
These names (Caroline, Elodie, and Amélie) are placeholders and do not reflect actual individuals.