HAITI'S RECENT readmission to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been accompanied by the expected reservations about the likely impact on the Community by its most populous member. The common perception is that Haiti's participation might not be the best thing for the Community.
We feel there is little reason for these concerns. CARICOM was justifiably clear about the reasons for suspending Haiti, as it was about the conditions under which Haiti would be readmitted. Had CARICOM not taken this position, it would have been seen to condone the violent overthrow of democratically elected administrations and the imposition of unelected rulers by countries with economic and military might.
With the election of Mr. René Préval's Government, Haiti has met CARICOM's conditions and has taken its place in the Community.
Mr. Préval is clear about how he expects participation in CARICOM will assist Haiti. He hopes that when he leaves office in five years, much would have been achieved in the political and economic stabilisation of his troubled country.
For its part, CARICOM must now work towards helping Haiti to realise these laudable goals. The Community's planned prime ministerial mission to Haiti must be followed by a programme of assistance wherever resources can be found.
Haiti will need help, and in varied and significant quantities.
Mr. Préval's plan for improvement will not be easy. Following a lull in the few weeks after he took office, criminal violence is again troubling the country. Gangs are murdering in disputes ranging from the use of a television set to watch World Cup Football matches, to control over narcotics trafficking.
Aspects of the country's social infrastructure - mainly health and education - need urgent and adequate attention if the country's rehabilitation is to be early and effective. Physical infrastructure and utilities, particularly electricity, need similar help. So, too, does the institutional infrastructure, mainly the judiciary that has been so discredited, particularly under the temporary, United States-backed administration of Gerard Latortue.
We suggest that in considering how to help Haiti, CARICOM should follow and support the examples being set by others. The European Union is increasing its levels of financial assistance to the country. Venezuela has made Haiti a beneficiary of its PetroCaribe energy programme. We urge regional and regionally-based businesses to follow the example of Digicel that is making beneficial use of a market that it has seen in Haiti.
While they may not be able significantly to assist Haiti with financial resources, we urge CARICOM leaders to consider ways in which they can provide social and institutional support that will complement what is being done by others. This could include, for a start, help in expanding Haiti's civil administrative and business managerial capacity if the country is to be transformed into a modern, efficient economy to the benefit of other members of CARICOM.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
