If you have been watching the news for the past week, you know that a 7.2 earthquake hit the Southern region of Haiti on August 14, 2021, at 8:29 am. The epicenter of the earthquake is the commune of Saint Louis du Sud. Nearby cities of Les Cayes, Jeremie, and Grand’Anse seem the hardest hit. This earthquake comes a few months after the 11th anniversary of the 2010 earthquake. Once again, Haiti was not prepared. The devastating aftermath of the earthquake begs us to ask where the 13 billions of dollars raised for Haiti by Bill Clinton, the Red Cross, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) went.
After the 2010 earthquake, Haiti became the capital of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As many as 10,000 NGOs were operating in Haiti after the earthquake. Some of these NGOs mismanaged the funds they raised. For example, The American Red Cross raised 500 millions of dollars only to build 6 homes in Haiti. Now 11 years later, no significant reconstruction has been completed. In fact, Haiti is in worse shape than it was 11 years ago. It seems the more outsiders like Clinton, Sean Penn, and USAID try to help, the worse Haiti becomes. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti is now ruled by a de facto Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry and the Core Group (i.e. the ambassadors of USA, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, and representatives from Organization of American States (OAS), United Nations, and the European Union).
What should we (i.e., Haitians in the diaspora and others who are concerned about Haiti) do? We need to rebuild better. In addition to building earthquake-resistant homes for Haitians, we also need to support health and education initiatives for Haitians living in Haiti. I strongly encourage folks to donate Haitian-led organizations instead of foreign NGOs. I highly recommend donating to a Haiti-based non-governmental organization called Fondation Terre Bleue (FTB) that is led by a young Haitian man, Mr. Genel Milerose. The organization supports Haitian communities in health and education. I have donated to the organization in the past. A $200 donation to FTB helps pay the annual tuition of a Haitian student. Fondation Terre Bleue is one of the organizations that are on the ground in the Southern region of Haiti and Nippes commune to coordinate aid distribution and evaluate the needs of the population. You may donate funds to Fondation Terre Bleue via Zelle: fondationterrebleue@gmail.com. For non-cash donations, contact the organization directly to find out the shipping address where material donations may be accepted. For more information on Fondation Terre Bleue, check out their profile on Dun & Bradstreet website.
To the people of Les Cayes, Jeremie, and Saint Louis du Sud, I know you are resilient. Stay strong and encouraged. You are not alone. Together, we will rebuild Haiti.
Elisabeth Magloire