THE EDITOR, Sir:AS WE observe developments in Haiti and in Caricom, we note our common interests and humanity and the valuable role that Jamaicans can play in improving the current impasse in Caricom and the difficulties being faced by the Haitian community at home and in the Diaspora.
The Dispute Resolution Foundation this year marks its 10th anniversary of service in the Caribbean and in Jamaica where the Governor General has declared 2004 the National Year of Dispute Resolution. Partnerships to enable peace, justice, good governance and development are at the core of our work as exemplified by our mission: "To achieve accommodative and non-violent relationships between citizens, corporations and other organisations within a democratic and restorative justice framework, thereby profiting citizens, communities and the country, by strengthening and expanding the use of mediation and other alternative effective methods of preventing and resolving disputes in Jamaica and the region."
The US Government, the United Nations, Caricom, Haiti, Jamaica and other partners can together find a way out of the current difficulties by opening up further channels of communication which involve the state, private sector, citizens and civil society organisations.
The pain that is felt in Haiti, the cradle of a critical revolution opening the door to democracy in this hemisphere, hurts us all. Jamaica, as a near neighbour, a respected and active member of Caricom and the UN, a traditional friend and partner of the US, is well positioned to pull on a mix of resources to enable mediation of the current situation between the numerous stakeholders and interest groups and to help us all clarify and better understand the issues. This could strengthen Haiti's place in Caricom. Jamaica, through an organisation such as the Dispute Resolution Foundation has a rare opportunity to play an enabling role providing a path for Haiti, the USA, Caricom, Haiti's other traditional partners in the Americas along with other global citizens to honour and support the distillation of Haiti's vision for itself.
At the grass roots and throughout all sectors of society, Dispute Resolution Foundation has seen through its work that Restorative Justice and Mediation have the potential to clear communication pathways, promote co-operation, affirm people and build respect. We believe that our skills and experience, coupled with that of others, can enable the internal and external flowering which Haiti and its people deserve today and in the future. These are sensitive complex issues, at a difficult time, hard work with patience and persistence, calling on and utilising persons and organisations with the requisite skills is wise. We should not fail Haiti now because in doing so we fail ourselves.
There are practical concerns as we face hard questions about fractured systems and relationships. The role of citizens, the church, civil society, the state, politics and business in Haiti must be understood and a way of working in the short, medium and long term forged internally and externally. Caricom with 12 million members is potentially a source of national strength as we leverage what is best for all our nations. Our cultural and justice systems, economies and our markets mutually reinforce our ability to fulfil the dreams and promise of our people through respectful partnerships with other global actors. We believe that Jamaica's role is critical and we look to the leadership of Haiti, the new Caricom Chairman and the US Secretary of State and other officials to provide a space for this work to be done now as we honour and respect Haiti and work for her success.
I am, etc.,
DONNA PARCHMENT, JP
Chief Executive Officer
Dispute Resolution Foundation.
The Peace Centre
