Retail Politics: A Strategy to Harness the Power of the Haitian Diaspora

As a Haitian-American, I am heartbroken to see the country I love facing yet another crisis. Gang violence has been on the rise in Haiti in recent months, and the situation is only getting worse. The violence has had a devastating impact on the Haitian people, who are living in fear and uncertainty. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has reported that gangs in Haiti have killed at least 531 people, injured 300, and kidnapped 277 since the beginning of 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Haiti's three-year cumulative inflation rate will exceed 100% in 2023. This means that the prices of goods and services are rising at an alarming rate, and it is making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities.

Haiti has faced many challenges in the past, but the current situation feels particularly dire. There is a sense of hopelessness in the air, and it can be easy to feel like there is nothing we can do.

Progressive organizations moving together can be transformative.

Compounding this issue is the fact that our community is deeply divided, and our leaders seem unable to come together to develop a shared strategy and vision. This is understandable, as we are a diverse community with many different perspectives. However, even those who share common principles are unable to work together. Although we may never achieve 100% agreement, having a significant number of progressive organizations working together can be transformative.

I firmly believe in the transformative power of unity, and I have great confidence in the Haitian diaspora's ability to contribute significantly to Haiti's recovery from its current crisis. To accomplish this, it is imperative that we put aside our differences and collaborate toward a common goal. This requires engaging in constructive conversations and debates, being receptive to compromise, and seeking areas of agreement. By embracing these principles, I am confident that we can make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of the Haitian people.

The Role of the Haitian Diaspora in Overcoming the Crisis

The Haitian diaspora has always played an important role in the country's development. Many of us living abroad send remittances to our families and friends back home, which help to stimulate the Haitian economy. However, we can do so much more than that. We have a unique perspective on Haiti, having experienced life both in Haiti and abroad. We have skills, resources, and connections that can be leveraged to address the challenges facing the country.

We can contribute to Haiti's development through our political engagement in our adopted homes.

One of the most impactful ways we can actively contribute to Haiti's development is by actively engaging in the political processes of our adopted countries. Admittedly, many of us residing in the United States have grown disillusioned with political participation, influenced by our negative encounters with corrupt and ineffective Haitian governments, as well as our frustrations with the political landscape in the US.

Some Haitians believe that foreign powers, particularly the United States, are undermining Haiti to exploit its resources. However, those who hold this view often struggle to present concrete evidence to support their claims. Whether or not one subscribes to this theory, it should serve as motivation for our active participation. We should, at the very least, develop strategies to counteract any perceived schemes from the international community. Moreover, we should engage in thoughtful discussions and advocate for policies that can effectively address the current crises and foster positive transformation in Haiti.

The Haitian diaspora can play a critical role in supporting efforts to address the challenges facing Haiti.

Our community may not have significant financial resources or electoral power, but we are concentrated in states where our numbers can make a significant impact. As a result, we have the opportunity to advocate for policies that benefit both our communities in the US and Haiti. Indeed, the Haitian diaspora can play a critical role in supporting efforts to address the challenges facing Haiti, but this requires having a shared goal and agenda.

Support house bill HR 1884 and Senate Bill S396, also known as the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act.

We should foster our collective work muscle memory by embarking on initiatives that we usually pursue individually and on which we generally agree. For example, we can support house bill HR 1884 and Senate Bill S396, also known as the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act (Visit www.change.org/stopgangsinHaiti to learn more and take action now). This legislation is a crucial first step in ending the reign of impunity by revealing the names of those who finance the gangs and dismantling the power structures that enable gang violence.

We could also develop a coherent strategy to leverage the remittance we send back home. For example, instead of individually paying school fees for our friends and family members, we could support community schools and even participate in their board. This would serve as a practical model of good governance. Rather than sending money for food, we could support local agricultural cooperatives and initiatives like the Haiti Food Systems Alliance. By pooling our resources and working together, the diaspora can have a more significant impact on Haiti's long-term development, and more importantly, on the people's experience with the principles of democracy.

Challenges Faced by the Haitian Diaspora

Despite our potential to make a difference, we face several challenges when it comes to engaging with Haiti. Many of us feel disillusioned or frustrated with the political situation in Haiti or may be wary of investing in a country that seems so unstable. Additionally, we are not a monolithic group, and there are disagreements and divisions within our community that make it difficult to work together effectively. However, our core challenge is the lack of trust between us. This issue has deep historical roots that can be traced from the times when our ancestors were enslaved. This has carried to our contemporary experiences with a system of corruption, injustice, and impunity.

Our country has never developed a common vision for its citizens, which has resulted in a lack of trust in each other and a distrust in the governments that have consistently failed us as a people. This lack of trust has made it challenging to engage in political activism or invest in collective projects.

Retail Politics as a Diaspora Engagement Strategy

One key factor in successful diaspora engagement is engaging with individual members of the diaspora through existing networks, such as work, schools, and churches. This approach allows organizations to listen to the concerns and ideas of diaspora members, rather than treating us as a monolithic group. Tailoring engagement strategies to our specific needs and interests can be more effective in building support and fostering engagement.

However, retail politics can be resource-intensive, and no single organization has the means to engage with every member of the diaspora individually. This is why community leaders need to find common ground and pool their resources. By working together, organizations can more effectively engage with the diaspora and achieve their shared goals.

While supporting legislative efforts is essential, Haitian community leaders could also organize town hall meetings or other events to meet with Haitians living in the US. These gatherings will help the community better understand the situation and discuss potential ways in which we can be part of the solution.

Call to Action for the Haitian Diaspora

Haiti is in crisis, and its people need support now more than ever. As a member of the Haitian diaspora, I believe that we have a responsibility to support our homeland and help overcome the challenges facing Haiti. We can play a vital role in addressing the country's challenges, from supporting legislative efforts to developing a coherent strategy to leverage their remittances. By working together, we can help create a safer and more stable Haiti for all its people.