Hti: Haitian diaspora wants a say in U.S. policy

We urge this administration to bring Haitian-Americans to the table with them and consult us as they embark on this adventure. As of this moment, Haitians are getting together to hire a firm to devise an economic development plan for their troubled homeland. As it is, the Haitian Diaspora is the largest donor in Haiti, pouring some $800 million a year through remittances to relatives back home. If we’re able to channel this money properly, we can achieve considerable things in Haiti.

This is not to say that the Haitian Diaspora has the answers. We have our share of problems here, but we believe deeply that we have some of the technical and leadership skills necessary to turn the corner on Haiti. Our country’s problem is not a lack of competent and qualified technocrats. What ails us rather are a deep-seated mistrust and a lack of good faith when dealing with each other. This latest crisis is a perfect example of that. Haitians living abroad have power, but they can’t go it along.