Haitian miracle coming—New York envoy

New York:  In a Guardian exclusive, Consul of General of Haiti to New York, Felix Augustine, expressed optimism that his native country will surmount overwhelming odds and regain its political and economic footing regionally and internationally. “We have come a long way politically,” he said. “We have seen political progress in our last two elections, in terms of transparency, and this has answered some concerns.” However, he conceded that despite these political gains, the economy continued to struggle with a looming global recession. “Sixty per cent of our budget depend on foreign donations, so if the world has a cold, Haiti has pneumonia,” he remarked.

Seated in his 5th Avenue office in Midtown Manhattan, Augustine decried the budgetary constraints of his government, viewing it as a handicap to a quick and robust recovery. “We are at a crossroad,” he said. “You look at conditions on the ground and you see that money is being given to NGOs (non-governmental organisations), but not to the ministries where it is needed for development on all levels—infrastructural, educational and economic. “NGOs should not play a leadership role,” he argued, although he welcomed their collaboration with local and national officials. He also stated that of the billions of dollars pledged to his country after the 2010 earthquake, only five per cent had been received, complicating reconstruction plans. 

In a related matter, Augustine rejected allegations of corruption at the highest level and challenged the press to substantiate these claims. “Corruption exists to some degree but this is true of all counties,” he said. “I invite anyone to audit our ministries and see where the money is being spent...There is nothing to steal. “Moreover, our public servants are hardworking, well meaning, and good people. “These charges are overblown and they have only hurt our image.” On the possibility of political instability with the presence of former presidents Jean-Claude Dulavier and Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Consul General expressed little concern that “overt” political meddling was occurring.

“There is no evidence of that,” he said. He further noted that both men were constitutionally allowed to reside in their birthplace indefinitely. In the sweeping 30-minute interview, the Consul General addressed the controversy surrounding Restavec, a system long used to alleviate poverty, expressing his support for its philosophy. “I know there have been abuses, but for the most part children in abject poverty have been taken from the streets and the mountains and sent to homes where they have excelled,” he said. “Maybe I am in the minority, and by all means the system should be re-examined, but a lot of good has come out of it.”

He later expressed optimism that Haiti would become a pivotal player in Caricom as it became more economically viable. He also hoped that a revitalised economy and political stability would stem the steady brain drain his country has experienced. “Our progress has been slow, but I earnestly believe that the Michel Martelly government is up to the task,” Augustine said. “If they can translate the energy and vision they espouse, there will be dramatic change. “We all love Haiti and I do feel it’s only a matter of time for us to experience a Haitian miracle.”