Haiti marked the 220th anniversary of its hard-fought independence from France on January 1st, and it is a time of celebration for Haitians in Haiti and in the diaspora.
Haiti has been caught in the midst of an unprecedented political, economic and humanitarian crisis, and the current situation is difficult, and for some with a bleak outlook for some of the country’s 11 million people. The year 2023 has been a chaotic year for Haiti, with gangs controlling great parts of the country, with kidnappings, robbery, rapes, and with a lack of firm authority, the country has had a rough time of it with some 37 police officers being killed and according to the United Nations, more than 200 persons were displaced, and inhumane conditions exist all over the country.
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But Haiti is a proud and resourceful country with a determined and brave people. And so the current situation, while it is not pleasant, is certainly one that we feel confident that with Haiti’s history and its own Inspiration the other Black countries throughout the world to fight for its independence, that Haiti and its people, with the support of CARICOM, will be able to overcome the current situation and in fact achieve its full potential that grows to 220 years ago.
Since the assassination of President Moise in 2021 Haiti has been without an elected leader and the current administration has been unable to organize elections. Unfortunately, since its independence the country has faced various obstacles in its own development. Chief among them has been foreign interference which has created internal political issues and instability. Haiti has had its own share of natural disasters too, which has added to the problem. Those issues are well known and have been handled by Haitians through the centuries, and have always remained a proud, determined and inspirational people in the region and around the world.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry has declared that 2024 is a year of rebirth. He says- 2024 is a decisive year in our history. It is a year in which we will have to face great challenges; in 2024 Haiti must take back the reins of its destiny, declared the Prime Minister in a celebration ceremony; he continued that we must do everything possible to put Haiti back on the path of democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law, noting that the emphasis will be bringing peace to the country.
Haiti also is known for the strong, vibrant and resourceful diaspora who have done so much in lifting the flag of Haiti and keeping the history of the country alive and have contributed so much to the economic development. That vibrant diaspora is seen all around the country and is represented effectively by the current leader of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, The Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn a proud Haitian, has been appealing to the people of the United States, her constituency and elected, that Haiti is coming back and coming back strong.
As she remarked in her independence message – Our ancestors tremendous victory is the very reason we celebrate our freedom today and why Haiti is an inspiration to nations as the first free black republic in the world. She went on to note that we are sons and daughters of revolutionaries, and we must carry their legacy forward, recognize their struggle by continuing to champion their values of equity and civil rights for all.
Bichotte Hermelyn went on to state that although this has not been an easy time, Haitians will remain resilient, and we agree with her. We agree with her and the history holds her right in terms of Haiti, continued recovery from various obstacles, and interferences; we must not lose faith in the people of Haiti, but continue to encourage, support the struggle with Haitians and Haiti. This is not a struggle for the Haitians or Haiti, but for the Caribbean, and indeed, as former Congressman Rangel remarked continually that Haiti should be the mecca for all black people because they have shown black people everywhere the courage, inspiration and the determination that is required in the struggle for freedom.
Everyone should be coming together in support of Haiti as the country meets the current challenges, and as we celebrate 220 years of independence we should all be proud of the country and its people and extend Congratulations and support for a resilient people and country.
Happy 220th Anniversary of Independence to Haiti and Haitians in Haiti and around the world. We wholeheartedly agree with the United Nations when it states that we should use this occasion to celebrate the resistance and the courage of the entire Haitian people. The United Nations continues to stand with Haiti for a more stable and prosperous future. 2024 will be a pivotal year for the stability of Haiti. Let us work together to lay the foundation for a return to security, allowing the people to live in peace and leading to the restoration of democratic institutions.
