Harnessing the Collective Spirit: Bwa Kale, KPK, and the Path to Haiti's Renewal
Haiti's history serves as a powerful testament to its unwavering resilience, characterized by the indomitable spirit of communities that have consistently banded together to confront and triumph over adversity. These remarkable displays of solidarity, often referred to as "Konbit," epitomize the inherent strength and collective unity of the Haitian people. However, recent years have ushered in an unprecedented wave of insecurity that has severely disrupted both social and economic activities, plunging the nation into an ever-deepening crisis.
On the ground, the atrocities committed by gangs persist unabated as they fight for control over additional territories, as evidenced these past few days in Mariani, a suburb in Port-au-Prince. These challenges have been further compounded by a growing crisis arising from the Dominican Republic's military incursions into Haitian territories. These issues serve as stark reminders that the ultimate solutions lie within the Haitian people themselves – a truth that has endured throughout our history, although sometimes we seem to forget it.
ABCD embodies the spirit and practice of the KPK movement.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable crises, two movements, "Bwa Kale" and "Kanal la Pap Kanpe" (KPK), or "The Canal Will Not Stop," have emerged as reminders and shining examples of resilience and the spirit and principle of Konbit. While some view Bwa Kale as a vigilante movement, others see it as a resistance movement whose roots lie in a collective response to the kidnapping and gang takeover of the city. The KPK movement is a prime example of local leaders and community members collaborating to address a critical local need.
While both movements have shed light on what we can do together, they require a more structured and cohesive strategy to achieve lasting changes. As a board member of the Haitian Center for Leadership (CLE), a foundation that has been championing the Asset-Based Citizen-Led Development (ABCD) methodology for the past 10 years, I am firmly convinced that ABCD can serve as a powerful tool to address this gap.
The ABCD methodology, which was introduced to CLE by the Coady Institute, is a powerful approach to development. It focuses on identifying, mobilizing, and utilizing the existing assets and strengths within communities. This methodology empowers individuals and communities to take ownership of their development, fostering self-reliance, sustainability, and long-term impact.
This essay outlines four strategies, rooted in the principles of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), aimed at accelerating and reinforcing the KPK movement. It will explore alternative approaches that enable Haitians in the diaspora to offer more effective and coherent support to the movement.
1. Empowering Local Leaders
At the core of "Konbitism" and ABCD is responsive leadership.
Local leaders, including elected officials and community representatives, are instrumental in the success of the KPK movement and will be needed for broader efforts to revitalize Haiti's economy. These leaders possess a deep understanding of their communities' needs and dynamics and can play a pivotal role in attracting local investors and engaging the Haitian diaspora positively.
To empower these leaders, we must adopt a multifaceted approach:
Foster a culture of collaboration by regularly consulting with local leaders and involving them in decision-making processes.
Provide capacity-building and leadership training to equip local leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively engage in economic development, protect the supply chain, and attract investments.
Establish transparent communication channels between local leaders, government authorities, and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is well-informed and can effectively communicate with each other.
Develop communication campaigns targeting the diaspora to garner community support and enthusiasm for economic initiatives.
2. Promoting Hyperlocalized Production and Regional Distribution
Haiti is at a pivotal juncture, facing a crisis exacerbated by gang control over national roads, resulting in skyrocketing inflation and food shortages. While a crisis can paralyze, it is also said that in every crisis lies great opportunity. If this saying is true, then the many crises, and particularly the insecurity that has paralyzed the country's economy, offer their own opportunities.
In my essay, Redefining Power: How the Periphery in Haiti Can Drive Meaningful Change in Governance, I shared that "the government's incapacity to control the gangs not only undermines their authority, but it also means they cannot exercise control over the population if it becomes determined to act. Consequently, while the opposing parties primarily concentrate on their power struggle in the West department, the other nine departments are left to govern themselves. I believe they should seize this opportunity and actively do so."
Indeed, amid this crisis, there is an opportunity to establish a robust system of hyperlocalized production and regional distribution, despite the central government. Some of the first steps can include the following:
Identify Local Production Potential: Assess each region's natural resources, and capacity by engaging with local experts and farmers for insights into viable options.
Explore Long-term Preservation: Consider methods such as canning, drying, and cold storage facilities for locally produced goods.
Establish Local Processing Centers: Add value to perishable products by creating local processing centers. Consider local demand for processed goods and the availability of skilled labor and equipment.
The promotion of hyperlocalized production and distribution networks can have far-reaching economic and social benefits, creating jobs, reducing food waste, and bolstering food security. By proactively building a resilient and self-sufficient food system, Haiti can become less reliant on external sources. Existing initiatives such as Haiti's Food System Alliance, Lèt AGOGO, and FECCANO (“La Fédération des coopératives cacaoyères du Nord”) can be expanded to further strengthen regional capacity.
3. Transforming Haiti's Import/Export Strategy for Economic Growth
Haiti must reduce its heavy reliance on imports from the Dominican Republic (DR), whose current government – not its people – has shown its deep animosity toward Haitians. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Dominican Republic Exports to Haiti were US$1.02 Billion in 2022, which does not even account for the informal exports that add another $400 million. These numbers and President Abinader’s hat for Haitians underscore the urgent need to strategically reshape our import/export value chain.
The Dominican Republic's military incursion in Haiti is an attempt to draw Haitians into a conflict. Still, our connection with the Dominican Republic will likely remain important. However, diversifying our import sources is imperative for enhancing resilience and driving economic growth. As I wrote in 2021, Diaspora Unity is the only way - Pa gen Wout pa Bwa. This confrontation is yet another opportunity to raise awareness among Haitians about the importance of taking strategic action to address this economic threat. The DR’s blockade represents a substantial opportunity for new Haitian investors, particularly for those of us in the diaspora, to break into a market long controlled by a few oligarchs.
Here are three key strategies for identifying potential countries to diversify our imports and reduce dependence on the Dominican Republic:
Diversify Sourcing Countries: Source from countries with established trade agreements or venture into emerging markets with competitive advantages. This will require an assessment of the country's capacity to supply required goods, trade compatibility, and existing trade agreements or partnerships with Haiti. Identifying countries with favorable agreements, efficient transportation links, and customs processes can streamline import operations.
Evaluate Quality and Pricing: The quality and pricing of goods from potential sourcing countries are crucial. Ensuring that imported products meet Haitian standards and offer competitive pricing is essential. Implementing quality control measures is vital to maintain product integrity.
Develop Efficient Infrastructure and Logistics: Enhance infrastructure and logistics networks, such as better roads, refrigerated trucks, and distribution hubs. Focus on expanding the capacity of ports in St. Marc, Cap Haitian, Miragoane, Jeremie, and the smaller secondary ports to facilitate the movement of goods.
4. Empowering Haiti through a Development Fund
New investments are crucial for Haiti's economic growth, but the rising violence, insecurity, and political instability make it too risky for most investors. However, there are many investment opportunities and incentive packages for investors, as outlined in the Haitian Investment Code of 2002 and the Free Zone Law of 2002.
The KPK movement has raised the awareness of many Haitians in the diaspora about the need and opportunity to invest in the Haitian economy. The challenge is that they do not have a clear mechanism to do so. This is an opportune moment to create the Development Fund that many in the diaspora have discussed for at least the past decade and even attempted to start with the Haitian Diaspora Fund. The creation of a fund can capitalize on the general public's newfound engagement to mobilize the diaspora. The seed for the fund must come from Haitians, whether in Haiti or the diaspora.
Haitian society suffers from a deep deficit of trust in its institutions and leaders.
The Development Fund must establish a foundation of trust. It should be managed by a governance structure that is both transparent and accountable, incorporating a diverse range of stakeholders to guarantee fair representation and decision-making. The fund should have explicit guidelines for selecting and implementing projects to ensure they are in line with its objectives and have the potential for substantial impact. Lastly, a detailed fundraising strategy should be in place, aiming to secure contributions from genuine allies and partners of the Haitian community.
Lè li pi fè nwa se lè sa li pral jou (It's always darkest Just before the dawn)
The time to act is now. Positive change is within our grasp, and the time to act is now.
The path to Haiti's renewal lies within the collective spirit exemplified by movements like "Bwa Kale" and "Kanal la Pap Kanpe" (KPK) which are undergirded the principle of Konbitism and the methodology of Asset-Based Citizen-Led Development (ABCD). Despite Haiti's significant challenges, this principle and methodology provide a roadmap for moving forward.
To achieve this vision, we must first empower local leaders. They have a deep understanding of their communities and can drive positive change. Collaboration, capacity-building, and transparent communication are key to unlocking their potential. Second, we need to promote hyperlocalized production and regional distribution. This can help to reduce our reliance on imports and exports. Third, we must establish a Development Fund. This is essential for economic growth and self-sufficiency.
These three strategies are consistent with the ABCD approach, which emphasizes community empowerment and collective action.
However, it is essential to recognize Haiti's deep trust deficit. Restoring trust among Haitians is essential for collective action and holding local government officials accountable. The Development Fund, funded by Haitians from within the country and the diaspora, must prioritize transparency, equitable governance, and clear project guidelines to be successful.
In January of last year, I concluded my essay titled "Living up to the legacy bequeathed to us: A Diaspora call to action" with a statement that remains as relevant today as it was then:
“Our beautiful national tapestry which was always frayed is now torn to pieces. Haiti needs its diaspora. But our work is not to save Haiti – a task for which we are unqualified. Our work is to bring new threads to help weave a new tapestry. It is to show that it is possible to bridge our long-standing social and economic divides. Our work is to show up because it is imperative to do so now. Unfortunately, we have been failing at this task but we can change course, and present a new leadership based on humility and with a sense of urgency. Indeed, we must change course for otherwise, history will judge us harshly.“
The opportunity for positive change in Haiti is within our reach. It is our collective responsibility to seize this moment and work together to transform Haiti's future. The people of Ouanaminthe have shown the way. The only question that remains is whether we in the diaspora are ready to rise to the challenge and write a new chapter in Haitian history.