By Ron Allen
NBC News Correspondent
Two years after it was rocked by a devastating earthquake, Haiti is struggling just to get back to being one of the most impoverished nations in the world.
When you drive around the capital Port Au Prince, there are signs of progress. Unlike two years ago, the streets are clear of debris, yet jammed with traffic. Every once in a while, you see a new building like a supermarket, or a few small homes, or the refurbished airport terminal, which now looks and functions like most airports in the developing world with several non-stop flights a day to New York and Miami, along with other destinations.
But for every inch of progress, there are many, many miles of devastation and despair. Much of the capital Port Au Prince is so battered that it is difficult to tell whether the destruction was caused by the earthquake or decades of grinding poverty. The national government palace in the heart of the capital lies virtually untouched since it collapsed two years ago. That, as much as anything else, is a potent symbol of what has not happened here.
Throughout the capital and surrounding area, where some 80,000 buildings collapsed, one of the most striking things you see are the tents. Some camps of them sprawl for acres and acres. Some are smaller, tucked into a corner. Many people live in wood or cardboard framed structures with plastic sheeting or perhaps a piece of tin for a roof. It's hard to see how people survive the tropical storms and the intense rainy season. Some of the camps have taken on an air of "semi-permanence," run by aid groups, and organized into little self-contained communities. They're not going anywhere anytime soon.
One of the groups building homes for displaced Haitians is the Red Cross. They built homes for 36,270 Haitians in 2011, bringing the total number of people they’ve provided homes for since the earthquake to 100,000 people.
“Port au Prince is a mountainous city, even finding available safe space to build on is incredibly difficult,” said Jana Sweeny, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross. And disputes over land and the immense amount of rubble make it difficult to find places to build, said Sweeny.
“So many records were lost, that it’s really hard to clarify what land is available to be built on and the last thing we want to do is put up houses to have them taken for some reason,” Sweeny said.
Related photos: Earthquake devastates Haiti
Even before the quake, Haiti was one of the poorest nations in the world. But the quake, which killed some 300,000 people and left more than 1.5 million homeless, drove the nation even deeper into despair.
The statistics say only about half of the rubble has been removed. There was 10 million cubic meters of it, or by one estimate, 10 times the amount of debris left by the September 11th attacks.
The international community pledged more than $4.5 billion dollars to help Haiti's recovery, but so far, just over half, 52 percent, has been disbursed.
“You’re moving from emergency response to recovery and that has complexities. Things take time...More could be done, we can always do better. At the same time, people are trying hard,” said Jehane Sadky, officer in charge at the UN Office of the Special Envoy for Haiti.
Sadky’s office is in charge of tracking where all the money has gone. She said that most of the money that has been disbursed has gone to NGOs or grants, not directly to the Haitian government.
“We want to emphasize that perhaps more money should go through Haitian institutions,” Sadky said. “Haiti deserves to get up on its feet alone and won’t be able to do that unless it has the money to do so.”
In part, donors have been reluctant to give the money they’ve committed directly to the Haitian government because of this year’s election. The painfully prolonged and disputed election finally produced a president and then five months later a prime minister and a government.
Once assembled, the newly elected government did not renew the mandate for the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, the group headed by former President Bill Clinton that was helping coordinate relief efforts.
On top of the political changes, there's been an ongoing cholera epidemic that killed about 7,000 people and sickened perhaps half a million Haitians in the wake of the earthquake.
Haiti is a place where no one expected paradise in a couple of years, but there was certainly a lot of hope that things would be better than they are now, two years later. Like in so many other places around the world, after the initial disaster, an outpouring of sympathy, and promises of help, the world moves on. Meanwhile, Haiti still struggles to claw its way back to being one of the poorest nations in the world.
Rock Center's Jessica Hopper contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
I have family in Haiti. John O'Kelley is the Country Director for World Relief there; he lives there with his wife, Tina O'Kelley and their youngest child, Anna Rose. I see, read & hear about the continued fight for life in Haiti every day in Tina's blog & on Facebook.
What breaks my heart is the general public only hears about what happens in Haiti once a year, on the anniversary of the earthquake. As was shown in the story here, there are still people dying of cholera, there are still people trying to get the simple basics of life: clean water, a safe place to live, and dependable meals.
Haiti needs nurses that can come down there for more than a week to 10 days. Doctors are needed. People who can swing hammers and clean up rubble. The cholera can be licked with renal lactate hydration solution (RL), and clean drinking water. Little girls can be clothed with dresses made from pillow cases. Shoes can be donated. School supplies can be collected as well as OTC medical supplies.
The Haitiens are not lazy about their recovery. They are doing everything they can. The devastation is incredibly overwhelming & can break the most hopeful heart. They love their country and they want it back, but they need help, they need the boost of a caring heart, standing beside them, clearing up the rubble and building houses and drilling for fresh water pumps. They need their spirits refreshed from sadness.
Wouldn't you?
Liz in Richmond,
Have you been to Haiti to offer your support in any way???
People who can swing hammers and clean up rubble.
Whats with all the people stading around doing nothing, What, they cannot do for themselves????
And the only nation in the Western Hemisphere that helped the United States, the richest nation in the world, gain its independence.
I'm tired of hearing about how bad the USA is for not handing everything we have over to every third world country that asks. Why do we have to fix everything? It's not our fault no one wants to get off their ___— and make their own place better. Oh, and we hear a lot about Haiti in Florida. Especially from people from there. All I have heard is about all the murders, rapes, and robberies that happen. That's why they moved here. According to the people from Haiti, most people there do not value life, especially the lives of others. Don't bother commenting, I won't be reading responses.
I don't understand why folks always have to give these crappy comments toward the haitian people.
...while we kick hundreds of thousands out of their homes here in the US. What a crazy world we live in
isn't it amazing how quickly we forget tragedies like this once they are over?
Hi KBarta,
I can't speak for Liz in Richmond but I can tell you I also have family in Haiti. Yes, I have been there and send money every month to my family. How's that for support.
Hi Combat,
So a person has no house, no job, no food and no support from their government, and you suggest for them to help themselves? With a corrupt government that hoards all the money? Okay, so to you and all the people who comment Haitians are a bunch of lazy people who just stand around waiting for a hand out, etc...
So it's okay for me to say the same to a bunch of the poor American folk that live in those tent cities, homeless, towns where people have no running water or electricity in their home because they can't afford it. They need to get off their azz! I mean come on! Go get a job you bunch of lazy .....! You live in America! Why you all standing around doing nothing?! You live in the "Land of the free"; the land of opportunity. You have no excuse...
Am I right Combat?
Oh and i forgot to add, to the poor American folk, you need to stop having babies. We need the government to give you condoms instead of food stamps in addition to sex education classes! This will help control the population.
How am I doing Combat?
So what do you want us to do? If the government is hoarding the money (eventually so they can steal it when everyone forgets) then what you need is government that is not corrupt. So why not just go down, round up the government, shoot them all, and set up a regieme of adminsitrators and government officals imported from outside.
Oh wait-- that's colonialism!!!! We can't have that!
You have a logical problem here. If you cannot develop home-grown leaders who are not corrupt, then I suggest you might want to change your culture, or accept that you are fit only to be slaves.
You have a comprehension problem here.
"If the government is hoarding the money (eventually so they can steal it when everyone forgets) then what you need is government that is not corrupt"
The article clearly states that a UN office is tracking the money and disbursing it to NGO's.Thats non government organizations in big boy language. The Haitian government isn't set up yet to be able to hoard the money. They just had elections
Read to the end of article and you will see the government hasn't done much of anything, let alone hoard money, as you claim. Or did you just want to go off on a anti Haitian rant?
"And the only nation in the Western Hemisphere that helped the United States, the richest nation in the world, gain its independence."
Revisionist history. Haiti was not a nation, and did not exist until 1804.
Tired of hearing about Haiti. Even before the earthquake it was a cesspool.
What's more tiresome is people acting like the rest of the world should do more than we already have.
This is not the first wave of money squandered by Haiti. Ask Bill Clinton about the wasted money we sent there in the 90's.
What happened to all the millions Americans donated to Haiti? Where is Bill Clinton who was supposed to be spearheading the reconstruction with more donated cash?
Thanks Spike. You are correct. Easy found in history books. Even in Haitian history books.
So pour more money into a bad dream. The highest birthrate in the Western Hemisphere speaks for itself.
Yeah I'd like to ask Mr. Clinton about the 1.5-billion dollars donated internationally....There's always some "chairman/rep" in charge of other people's money. Why don't these do-gooders suggest ways for American workers to begin the re-structure, or clean up and construction of this island nation. American companies can bid on contracts and put workers back to work. That money does belong to Haiti, and that government needs to file criminal complaints against the 'caregivers' and 'trustees' who do not appear to have the Haitian community's best interests at heart. And I reiterate...how the heck did Bill Clinton become overseer of this billion dollar relief grant....? because Haiti's not that much better off, and has any American workers landed some much needed employment in Haiti as of late?
First - let me say that the people of Haiti have been living under a corrupt government for years, they are some of the poorest people in the world. The earthquake demolished the country - if you can't put yourself in their shoes and feel at least some sympathy, at least don't denigrate them.
As usual MSNBC gives a misleading headline - "Billions in Aid......" Billions in aid was pledged - that does not mean that the country or even it's corrupt government has those "billions" of dollars.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/jan/14/haiti-quake-aid-pledges-country-donations
If you use the links on the above page - you will be taken to Financial Tracking Service (tracked from the time of the earthquake up to today) - you can look at what was "committed" to the country and what the country actually got. The US Government is not on the list as "committing" - private donors and agencies have "committed" - various people and agencies have committed through the US - but have no fear, the people of the US are NOT helping Haiti with their tax dollars (personally, I think that's a ridiculous, considering how much of our tax dollars are actually spent on killing people).
The "committed" money to Haiti (going through the US but not a US agency): $201,185,777 - That's roughly 200 million dollars "committed." I was going to export the spreadsheet into Excel - thinking that most of the commitments were paid, but surprise - I only had to add 9 out of 63 - most pledges didn't get paid to Haiti - are they in the US or never paid? I don't know.
Through the US only 200 million was committed, and it wasn't taken from our taxes but if it were, that would be every US citizen giving $0.66 (cents) to Haiti in the last two years - so you can stop complaining that you or the US government is handing out your money to Haiti - they and most of you, are not.
So how much of the the 200 million in commitments has been given to Haiti? $23,355,225 - so where is the rest of the money? Where has precisely $177,830,552 million gone - it's NOT gone to Haiti.
Most agencies involved WHO, etc - know not to give money to a corrupt government - the problem is that when the earthquake happened, it was "poor Haiti, let's give them some money," with the attention span of a sugar high child - then, who knows, Lady Caca had a hit single and it was "Haiti, where is that?"
Pledges are useless unless they are paid - the US money wasn't paid, so I bet neither was the UK's or any other country's "commitment" to Haiti, paid in full.
Stop blaming the Haitians or their government and have a bit of compassion.
Billions pledged - millions paid to a destroyed island, in a unconcerned effort.
http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=search-reporting_display&CQ=cq120112151911pDlr83izTT&orderby=ContributionStatusCode&showDetails=1
Mr History professor, please tell us why a Haitian monument was unveiled in Franklin Square, Savannah, GA in 2007. And please tell us how many Haitians died in 1779 fighting for America's independence. Please tell us. You prejudice and ungrateful piece of s#@t.
Not to put the blame on Bill, but really he has been in charge of the reconstruction of Haiti as an American for some time and as far as I can see not much has been accomplished. I have heard Bill talk on this subject many times with a laundry list of excuses why things remain paralyzed in this country.
Clearly, not having a secure government with a vision is the basic problem.
I wish I could say the US government is a good example, but they are not. We are paralyzed not wanting to fix big issues because both parties refuse to budge and most of all neither respects the other. There is no working together which is a message that should come from the guy sitting in the Oval Office. Instead we are a very divided country. Even if a country sees 60 percent of its population standing behind a leader, that leaves 40 percent that are unhappy which is a huge chunk of the population. Their needs then are not addressed and that is what is causing decay.
I happily contributed money when Haiti first had the Earthquake and I receive requests for even more money frequently. I have all the sympathy in the World for the people of Haiti. They have known poverty and despair for a long time.
People who post here have no idea what it is like to be poor and hungry. I am positive my childhood pales in comparison but I have been hungry and poor. There is a feeling of helplessness and let's face it, there are charlatans who take advantage of situations, such as Haiti.
Look what's happening here in the USA. People have lost their jobs and there are none to be found. Instead ofre-locating people of creating jobs that would repair out infrastructure, the jobless are told to "Go take a shower and get a job."
It is easy to be cynical and heartless, when you are thousands of miles away and have a full belly. Every country could be sending educators and spending the already donated money to teach Haitians skills. This would provide new skills and a livelihood for the Haitians and it would also, create jobs for the people in the United States.
Instead countries pour money and supplies, into Haiti and there is no one in charge of training and assigning jobs. This effort would be effective for everyone involved.
Olivepit: You are a prime example of cynicism. Babies did not create this mess. Corruption and lack of education are the culprits. You have groups who are saying, No money can be spent on birth control. You have thousands of illiterate people who can only follow because of their lack of training. And they are easily duped. I wonder how well you would do, with all the ruble and lack of amenities?
The saddest part is, the Haitians have known, no other life, but poverty. They had a sinister leader for many years. "Baby Doc" took advantage of the Haitians illiteracy and poverty, to make himself wealthy, while stealing from the people he was supposedly serving.
Somewhere in this world there are honest, hard working individuals who have the courage and compassion to help the needy people in Haiti. They are called middle class Americans. And yes, other countries, as well. It's time to get organized and help.
Judy, RN
Great and thoughtful post Judy!
Haiti; is the basketcase of the western hemisphere, food left rotting on the docks, medical , drugs, equipment, stolen from donations and sold all over the Caribbean, bribery to get a permit to do anything, the volunteers who went came back and said, it is useless.
What caught my eye & caused me to read this article was the picture MSNBC chose to introduce the article. A kid standing amongst rubble with a pair of Air Jordan 11 Retro Concords ($180.00 minimum) hanging around his neck and no one is commenting on this? WTF???
"Mr History professor, please tell us why a Haitian monument was unveiled in Franklin Square, Savannah, GA in 2007. And please tell us how many Haitians died in 1779 fighting for America's independence. Please tell us. You prejudice and ungrateful piece of s#@t."
Why a monument? Revisionist PC history.
There was NO Haiti during the revolution, therefore no Haitians fought or died. They were the “Volontaires de Saint-Domingue”, and French citizens.
Never let facts get in the way of an agenda. Right?
Calling names? Very mature.
Not my CHAIR not my PROBLEM. thats what i say
Haiti has been free and independent for over 200 years and this is the best that they can do or will ever do. All they want is to slip into Florida and sponge off the US taxpayers and make babies and voodoo. Look at Japan and the terrible disaster that hit them and look at how much the Japanese people themselves have progressed to clean up and rebuild. Haiti will never progress.
The problem in Haiti is first and foremost the government. Not just the top officials, but officials at all levels, are corrupt. They need bribes just to do the jobs they're paid to do, and won't lift a finger even to allow strangers to give freely to help their own community without getting a kickback. This is why food rots on the docks, because the dock officials won't allow it to be unloaded without a bribe. This is why the NGOs have so much unspent money, because the officials won't allow them to do anything, even clear rubble, without a bribe.
Corrupt officials come from a corrupt society, and generally encourage corruption in the society, because the only way people can progress is by either bribing them or illegally side-stepping them (stealing food off the boats before it rots). This is a problem seen in a lot of developing nations. It won't be fixed until the people unite and replace corruption, perhaps by force, or unless someone else does it for them (but that's colonialism, as has been said).
Haiti's greatest problem is with outsiders stepping in an telling them what and how to do things then throwing money at them. We've created a nation that lacks the capacity for self-determination. Our food/materials aid and money does little to put people to work rebuilding their society. It also does little to promote population control as Haiti is massively over populated as compared to its natural resources.
There would at this point be a problem with us just leaving them to starve and letting nature eventually take its course in creating a self sustaining society. So to fix the situation we need to stop dumping money into the corrupt government (who builds million dollar stadiums, while people live in tents). We've dumped in enough money for every Haitian to make several years salary yet they are individually still in poverty with nothing to show. We need to instead put the money into expanding existing non-governmental businesses and then build an industry of workers hired to clean up the mess and build homes, as well as produce food. Next we need to implement a birth control plan of only 1 child per couple if someone wants the support, yes that's harsh but the island is way beyond the ability to sustain the population. As homes are built and the mess cleaned up educate the workers and shift them toward building sustaining industry, perhaps ocean based farming. There are many things that could be done but the give the man a fish syndrome is all that is occurring and must end if they are to have any future.
Kind of sounds like what the Left is trying to further establish here. Take away the grit and determination to make something better of yourself, and instead be all providing. Removing the essence of feeling worthwhile for having accomplished something through hard work and effort. Keep on this track which we cannot afford anyway, and heaven knows what our country will be like in 50 years (if its even here).
To paraphrase an old proverb, we are giving them the fish instead of teaching the to fish. The money has been spent on doing things for the Haitians instead of teaching them to do for themselves. why do outsiders have to build their houses for them. Give them the materials and teach them to build them for themselves. Houses should be built by maybe one outside project manager to teach them how to do it and the rest being Haitians actually doing the work. It should not be the Red Cross personnel building the houses and then handing over the keys. Haiti will never get past the abject poverty until they learn to do things for themselves instead of relying on others for everything.
Teach a Haitian to fish, and he will steal your tackle---then sell it. Same goes for building tools.
You're absolutely right--Haitians do nothing for themselves, and they never have. All the screaming makes me sick. So, they had a terrible eathquake--they had two worse quakes in Christchurch NZ, but the Kiwis get off their backsides and DO something. So, they have devastation--nothing compared with Dresden, Berlin etc., but the Germans also DID something! Haitians are a 'welfare' country; always have been, always will be. The most useless, lazy people at least in the Western hemisphere, if not the world, and if the truth offends---TOUGH!
If that country was ran and populated by anyone other then the people that are there now, it would be a tourist mecca and would have been rebuilt by now and also never been a run down crap pot. It also wouldn't be DEMANDING handouts. It's obvious what the problem is in that country. It's just not politically correct to state the facts.
To get down to business. Half of the 4 billion has been spent. As we see again it is being miss handled and not prioritised. Excuses are being made and no one is held responsible. Meanwhile peope are dying of disease and suffering a homelessness lifestyle with lack of help or support which should be there.
This story makes people not want to donate becuase of the way it's being miss managed. People do not want to participate in a program that does not have a plan, regulation or funding. To go over there and try to make the change happen that needs to happen would be like trying to get money out of politiics.
These people in charge of distributing money have allready expressed their lack of care by abolishing the act Clinton enabled. They are playing the waiting game as the money sits, they hope they can find a way to hoard it into their own special interests that benefit the ones distributing it. We all know that when monies are available for a contract, the project gets started in a hurry and continues. Instead excuses are being made and the HELP US card is being brought out again in hopes more people will donate their time and money to a cause that has been funded and not distributed. They want the poor and the ones donating their time to do it all for free so RedCross and the government can hoard the other two billion in special interests.
It's like a dentist getting paid to remove a cavity and instead hands the pick to their friend becuase the dentist can. Telling them he needs the help showing them a picture of other work he was paid to do but never did.
Never, I repeat, never donate to any organization that will give the money donated to the government, especially one with a reputation for corruption like Haiti.
Instead, donate to organizations that will go to the disaster areas and use your donation efficiently and see that it actually benefits those in need, rather than line the pockets of corrupt government officials and their cronies.
What? Haiti gained independence in 1804, after the United States survived the Revolutionary War and signed the Treaty of Paris.
France certainly helped us, but not Haiti.
them french... only sent dressing for our salad...some toast...and fries...
The highest birthrate in the Western Hemisphere.
We donate to a specific orphanage through the Hands and Feet project in Haiti that was started by a Christian rock band that we love. I would never donate anything that might go to their government.
Yes, and there are levels of mishandling. When a population is led to believe their government or others are so corrupt that no amount of money will ever see the light of day for goodness that is when despair sets in.
After fighting in Savannah Ga and helping you gain your independence from Britain, you now want to nuke them. Your ignorance is showing.
They just need to nuke or nerve gas the whole place, plow it into the ocean and build nice resorts for the rich. Out of sight, out of mind. And the rich get a nice new playground. They can pile their money together and do it. I'm sure the US and russia will provide the nukes and nerve gas. Probably the worker drones too.
Big problem for the world's owners gone., Just like that.
You know if that kid on the front photo wasn't standing around with a new pair of sneakers hanging from his neck I would probably feel sorry for them. The fact that 2 years later they can't seem to manage to clean up the debris is a testament to the laziness and lack of focus these people have. You can't tell me that any person with some ambition couldn't figure out how to make money by cleaning up the debris and help his fellow citizens out at the same time. It's obvious these folks have no desire to get out of this situation or they would be furious that this money is sitting there while they live in squalor. You can't help someone that won't help themselves.
For those of you agreeing with Olivepit3 - you are wrong, Haiti does not have the highest birth rate in the Western Hemisphere...
No they DO NOT have the highest birth rate(as of 2011)
Haitian birth rate: 24.4/1000
Belize: 26.43/1000 (yes, it's in the Western Hemisphere)
Bolivia: 24.71/1000
Guatemala: 26.96/1000
Honduras 25.14/1000
Marshall Islands 29.11/1000
World: 19.15/1000
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2054.html#ha
So Haiti does not have the highest birth rate in the Western Hemisphere - and if you would have included other countries in the world, Haiti is almost celibate.
FYI: When you Google something and then don't open the page and assume the page tells you what you want to hear - it's an awkward moment, especially when you keep posting the same wrong data that is actually NOT RELEVANT anyway. I used your page, I just actually read it as well, therefore finding out that you are wrong.
@ Black Kettle
Could you also do some research on TomTom-72's claim that Haiti helped the U.S. gain independence?
I see him posting it on here a bunch of times but every source I find has Haiti being created in 1804, well after the American Revolution ended.
Actually, I also left out many countries in the Western Hemisphere - as they are located on the Western Coast of Africa... but it's safe to say at least 10 more countries have higher birth rates (much higher).
As to the claim that Haiti helped the US gain independence.
The island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic was once Hispaniola - to keep things simple, the French, Spanish and even British fought over it. Thousands of Black slaves were imported from Africa, some were granted freedom because the French and Spanish feared a revolution. There are stories that some mulattoes who fought with the French against Spain (on the island) went on to help fight with the French during the American Revolution. This is probably not true, considering that most of the French from the island were killed during the island's revolution. It is true that "Haiti" did not exist as a country before Jan. 1, 1804 - the American Revolution was 1774-1776.
So, NO, Haitians did not aid in the AR.... perhaps the reason some people think they did is this piece of history:
From: http://www.travelinghaiti.com/history_of_haiti/toussaint_louverture.asp
Now - the US President, John Adams sent four ships to bombard the island - thus giving victory to the French Toussaint at that time. The ships names where:
Boston, Connecticut, Constitution, and General Greene
The names of the ships are an ode to the American Revolution - since the island was having it's own revolution.
Read the second half of the book page to find this information.
The US helped rid Toussaint of Rigaud's army - thus keeping the ports open for the island (1800).
From: http://books.google.com/books?id=T1F1H2KUj80C&pg=PA485&lpg=PA485&dq=hispaniola+mulattoes+and+the+american+revolution&source=bl&ots=B29TKfKMBo&sig=GQBhXWRXL25nEOzw3bv7oYPj5Yk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=oB0PT-HiPOTv0gHGlLGuAw&ved=0CGQQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=hispaniola%20mulattoes%20and%20the%20american%20revolution&f=false
Sigurd. Your comments are out of line. No one deserves to be a slave. We are all equal here.
Thank you rwalker-2504195! Too many people have prejudices here and think they can say anything without knowledge because of anonymity.
Haiti is a difficult country to rebuild. It is an island. This is not it's first major earthquake, it has also had major hurricane damage through the years. This constant re-building has lead to deforestation on the island - therefore all supplies must be shipped in - if it looks like people are standing around - the lumber ships may have not arrived. The deforestation also destabilizes the land that can be built on (mudslide complications). Haiti has also been fighting HIV/AIDS for years. It seems that the drug companies do not believe the people there are worth saving. Doctors there and from other countries do what they can but it is not enough (nor is it their fault). Haiti is very Catholic (80%) with a population that has a long history of believing in Voodoo - pills and doctors are not always trusted and the Church doesn't believe in condoms, etc..... None of these things gives anyone the right to condemn the people of Haiti. Their life is a struggle on a good day - have some compassion.
when it was certain that the Black led Army's in Haiti would win, with help from the United States; the French population of the Island fled, over 70% settled in Louisiana, and Alabama.
I am not surprised by the pettiness regarding the Haitian people.
The poster who pointed out the boy with the Air Jordan shoes, others complaining about the high birth rate and Haiti has been unable to rise above poverty.
Let me ask you if you were never exposed to anything but ilieracy, poverty, despair and hopelessness, how would you be any different?
Anyone who is a "Christian" and can judge the people of Haiti, has missed the message of God and Jesus. Sharing and giving is not a sin. Giving to others in need not a sin. Wanting everyone to have the same opportunies and privilege, is not a sin. Providing education, food and shelter is not a sin.
I wonder if God and Jesus is looking at you and asking each other, Did you see those who stood and watched while others suffered?
That young man with the Air Jordans may never have anything a precious in his life, as those shoes.
Have you ever seen the movie "Pay It Forward?"
Why does anyone believe, they are better because they have amassed more than they need. Remember, you cannot take it with you. I was a hospice nurse for years. Whether I was in a mansion or the the poorest of homes, I never once observed a dying patient, pack up their things, in preparation for death.
To all those of you who have every thing the want in life, good for you. But don't belittle those who treasure a simple pleasure, as a pair of shoes. When you judge, you are judged.
Good catch saxon - you are correct, however, what you call "Black," were mostly a mixture of French and Black, usually called Creole when they settled in New Orleans. The US didn't interfere, the South - Confederates - during the American Civil War interfered - they didn't want Blacks to be anything but slaves - the mulattoes in Haiti were NOT slaves, they ran the nation and came to help the South in order to have slaves themselves.
black kettle; Creole in Southern Louisiana, Alabama is descendants of Spanish and french settlers; Creole means native; as for New Orleans, 70% of the blacks in South Louisiana at the time of the civil war, were in fact free men of color; the largest slaveholder in the south in the 1850's was a man named Joseph P. Kenner, a free man of color.
Why then was a monument erected in honor of the Haitians soldiers who died in battle in Savannah Ga in 1779? Watch the ceremony on Youtube.
Very true that 80% of Haitians claim to be catholic, and about 20% Protestant, but they are 100% Voudoun when you boil it down. Believe it or not, Voudoun and Christianity share similarities. They are 2 of the only religions left that involve blood sacrifice. Several of the Loa are synonymous with Catholic Saints in application. I think that it is terrible that "christian" missionary groups take food to people who will convert to their brand of religion, ignoring those who stay with the religion of their ancestors. A history that goes back over 8,000 years. We either need to help these people (not on our terms) or not...
Republicans must be in charge. Give to the rich and to he** with the rest.
Sorry- This is your socialist goverment in charge - Kind of what BO wants here.
Good point there, but the fund raiser in the spring or early summer of the year before the quake that raised over 300 million for Haiti "relief" was headed up by one of our former Presidents, a Democrat. Keep in mind, that was before the quake hit.
Well dgib..what a real maggot. Perhaps that filth Jon Corzine, former Demorat from NJ, who lost several billion dollars while in private industry can find it and help the Haitians? I'm sure he won't mind helping though the shafted stockholders might object. What about Al Gore donating? Heck he should be rolling in dough from royalties due to his inventing the internet. There's more liberal excrement out there who could help, but true to their label and calling, that being liberal, they are liberal in their hoarding finances for personal use. Why give to people who can probably never be in a position to assist you or vote for you. That's the liberal mantra.
Adaopt a Haitian baby--thats what they produce there. Highest birthrate in the Western Henishere.
No they do not (as of 2011) - also, there is a button to correct your spelling.
Haitian birth rate: 24.4/1000
Belize: 26.43/1000 (yes, it's in the Western Hemisphere)
Bolivia: 24.71/1000
Guatemala: 26.96/1000
Honduras 25.14/1000
Marshall Islands 29.11/1000
World: 19.15/1000
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2054.html#ha
So Haiti does not have the highest birth rate in the Western Hemisphere - and if you would have included other countries in the world, Haiti is almost celibate.
FYI: When you Google something and then don't open the page and assume the page tells you what you want to hear - it's an awkward moment, especially when you keep posting the same wrong data that is actually NOT RELEVANT anyway. I used your page, I just actually read it as well, therefore finding out that you are wrong.
Sorry you can't read didiotgib,it's that famous republican bj bill clinton.
That headline should probably read "... billions in aid still awaiting forwarding to the Caymans and Switzerland"
it's my money and i want it ...now...i'm seaching for my tin foil cap with the bull horns on it...
Damn you JG WENTWORTH! Why do I need to forever know "Call 877 CASH NOW"
Put a fence around them and let Darwinism run its course
Scott, Just remember some times Mother Nature needs to flush.
what a bunch of moronic posts
why that's the most un-moronic post i've seen today...got any extra tinfoil...
Combat medic..most people of the world think that of us....be careful what you wish for. The planet may just flush the entire N. American mess...
Someone ought to ask all theses fine Republican candidates what they would do to help Haiti if elected.......
The Haitians should get off their butts and help them selves. Two years latter and they haven't even cleared up the rubble and debris in the streets- And what has BO done since pledging My tax dollars to them in money and troops? nothing really- has he even gone there-No he barely couldn't even handle the small disasters we have had in the US let alone another country
Kelldon, right, and, in some of these poor nations the average person is so used to hard times, being poor, being oppressed that when something comes along like a natural disaster it's usually; "Yeah well, just another glitch in life, hang loose because someone will come and help us, and, most likely the Americans. Hey, when they come with the goodies the earthquake could be a blessing in disguise."
Democrats must be in charge. Moan about terrible conditions, brag about all the work they are doing to make things better, stick all the donated money in their pockets, go home, prop their feet up, have a drink, and tell everyone who will listen how hard they are working on the problem. Some things never change.
The haters are out in full force today.
and they are going to wal-mart...
To anyone actually read the article? If you had actually read it, you would see that this is not a ploy for more donations. It is about how difficult it has been for work to get done. Why more houses not been built? Because it is difficult to find land that is suitable to build on and when land is found, they then have to determine whether it is owned by someone. Secondly, did anyone bother to notice the volume of rubble in Haiti? It is ten times more than after 9/11. However does Haiti have anywhere near the machinery or sophistication the United States has? Do you really believe that people are just f@cking and having babies? How much work can one really do when the tools available are rudimentary at best? The point of the article is that they are struggling just to get back to where they were before which was basically nowhere.
Why are you all so full of hate? It is so much easier to hate and blame. Fine you think we should only focus on the United States. Ok what are you doing to make your own backyard better? I am sure nothing. It is much easier to blame Obama than to try to make an actual difference.
I dont give a damn what the republicans do to Haiti, I am however concerned about what they plan on doing to make the United States more livable, we have 32.3 million unemployed in this country this number is derived from the 380 million we have in the country and 8.5% unemployment in actuality there are more folks that dont work than do work. We have all races and religions that need help, losing their homes and jobs and we are so damn worried about Haiti. The milk of human kindness flows freely in good times but in bad times it kinda dries up and now is one of those dry times.
The Egyptians erected their pyramids without modern machinery. The Mayans erected theirs without modern machinery too. The Chinese built the Great Wall by hand. Billions of tons of rock, every stone moved by hand. Don't tell me that the Haitians can't get off their butts and clear away debris. Haiti is the most overpopulated nation in the Western Hemisphere. They have no lack of hands and backs. What they lack is the will to put them to use.
@ JohnCarter-428979
Haiti is NOT the most "overpopulated" country in the Western Hemisphere. Overpopulation has to do with density of the population - not how many people live there.
Barbados has the most people per square mile (population density) in the Western Hemisphere.
The Eyptians and Chinese used slave labor to build their monuments.... Those who died building the Great Wall are buried inside it's mortar. So if you'd like to volunteer for unpaid slave labor that will most likely result in death (especially if you are a malnourished and diseased Haitian). Please refrain from comparing countries that were living in a period of relative success to a country who's people were freed from slavery only to be taken advantage of by corrupt politicians and a slew of natural disasters that nobody can control.
That makes no sense. The next president needs to focus on America first. Haiti has Sean Penn afterall.
I won't vote for a candidate that would use my tax dollars to fix a country but our own.
This is why I refuse to donate money to countries with governments that have either corruption or a complete lack of infrastructure (or both) because you're just lining the pockets of the wrong people. It's horrible what happened there, and my heart goes out to them, but you can't help a society that can't help themselves. You can't point blame at anyone because their perspective and beliefs are what they've known their entire lives. They're good people that just don't know how to build a properly run government with accountability. Remember, we had to go through a very long a bloody war before our Founding Fathers built the foundation for opportunity and prosperity. Funny thing is that we're heading in the direction of Haiti thanks to the progressive movement.
Unfortunately, I agree with your sediments and will not make any donations to corrupt world govenments with lack of empathy for their citizens.
I have learned over the years, such as, when I donate to my local humane society-I have actually bought food, collars, toys, etc. and physically brought them to the facility. This way I have better assurance that my donation will directly benefit instead of being folded up and going into someones pocket.
This CAN be done locally-some examples are that anybody can donate food to local hunger centers or warm bedding and blankets to shelters.
i've always thot people were more important than dogs and cats....
You concur with dirt?
i get sedimental...thinking bout it...
Ah Haiti, another inflamed boil on the buttox of the world.
Are we really so much better than they are Leslie?
We really aren't, people sit here commenting on this article about how badly Haiti is struggling while doing online shopping, playing with their cellphone, crying about the fact that their car isn't the newest model, and shoving french fries into their greasy over-fed mouths. Then they have the audacity to say that Haiti is an "inflamed boil on the buttox of the world." Well if this were true then every person leaving negative anti-Haitian comments is the disgusting pus-oozing cancerous hemoroid inside the dirty shphincter of the world.
Leslie - if you read the history of pre-Haiti, you would find that it was actually quite a world power. It was the land Columbus reached before he reached North America - and it had an indigenous people that were the victim of genocide after he landed (sound familiar). Three European powers fought over it as it was the WORLD'S producer of sugar. It was once a rich island. As rwalker stated "Are we really so much better...?"
You could have almost seen this coming. At least six months before the quake, there was a fund raiser, was it in Washington, D. C., where over 300 million dollars were pledged. That was way, way before the quake even hit. What happened to just those funds?
They went into MF Global and eventually Corzine,s pockets. LOL
Come on....stop the bleeding heart BS. Haiti is run as a criminal state by a corrupt government with no concern for its people. Ask yourself why the Dominican Republic, which is essentially on the same island, is prosperous and a tropical paradise while Haiti is a H***hole. DUH!
You lost me with:
It is an island that both countries occupy. There is a border, the Western third (roughly) is Haiti and the Eastern two-thirds are the Dominican Republic, which if you visit the US State Department site has these kind words for the DR:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html
Above is the smallest paragraph on "Threats to safety and security" section, by the way. There is another section on "Crime," etc... in the fantasy land of a well guarded, walled and lavish resort exists what you call paradise, but the DR is not heaven for the regular people who live there.
When are we the people goign to put a stop to funds mismanagement. As long as they are allowed to get away with it the fanny maes of the world are goign to rob us blind.
the people who need the money will never see it, I was there with a work crew and was told to leave by armed guards, corruption is every-where and the ones in power became rich almost over night, the rich and powerful have new homes and the hell with the rest , so keep sending your money down there .
I had high hopes that with a new president would come a new Haiti. Instead, dishonesty and corruption still reign. While I know many folks that have traveled to Haiti, and are soon going again as a matter of fact, until they have a government that doesn't encourage stealing medicine and goods from the shipments that arrive at the airport, or make you pay outrageous bribes just to get the shipment released from customs, Haiti is going to continue to be the poorest of the poor. They beg for help, and then they ruin it when you try.
Haiti is not the poorest country in the world. It is being kept at the lowest rung of the financial ladder for one reason and one reason only. How can the USA and the rest of the dictating countrys let Haiti reach its full potencial when it was Haiti who fought side by side with US and French soldiers against the British. Since Haiti declared to the world that we are a free BLACK NATION in the new world, we commited the worst sin by startingthe destruction of the RASIST BUSINESS OF SLAVERY Millions and millions were being made with SLAVERY .We still have our gold in northern part of the country being spirited by foreign companies Oil companies have been forbiden to drill for the oil that we have, lignite the best natural charcoal is still in the ground no outside company to dig it out.So when you say that Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas its not that Haiti is a poor nation without resources its the dictating powers of the worl who are keeping Haiti poor.How can you let a country who declared itself a FREE BLACK REPUBLIC IN THE AMERICAS thrive that would put a ??? about the Christian belief that BLACK IS EVIL THAT IS THE ONLY REASON THAT HAITI IS IN THE SHAPE THAT ITS IN TODAY....
Jacko - Sounds like you are playing the race card? Forget your stupid racists arguments and come up with a solution to help these people. No one is standing in the way (maybe a few corrupt native politicians on the island are) so remember "when the going gets tough the tough get going."
Haiti fell behind because it was making payments to France for many years so that it would be recognized as a state. This money went to French Banks in the 1820's and kept them behind other countries for years to come. Nothing to do with oil companies - it started long before that.
Stephaniecali is correct. Also, the mixed Black-French mulattoes had freedom, they did not give it to their Black counterparts and they also wanted full Blacks to stay as slaves in the sugar fields. When America descended into Civil War, and the South seceded - some of the mulattoes came to fight for the South. Racism has been a part of Hispaniola since the Europeans found it. The mulattoes were the wealthy ones on the island and when they left, they came to the US, particularly, New Orleans. I'm not saying you are completely wrong Jacko, but shades of color ruled Haiti. It was the 500,000 Black Slaves that threw out the 1500 (or so) Whites in Hispaniola, they also killed the indigenous people that were left - look at Liberia, it is in a state of constant corruption and death. Sometimes it is not the fault of the "other" race. Sometimes PEOPLE just want to keep other PEOPLE down to keep the few rich and the masses poor -that is Haiti. - I'm not white fyi either nor wealthy.
Why is it that when someone post the truth you refuse topost it
the truth was outlawed...we don't want to hear nothing but jibberish...i'm fluent in it.....
Why not the previous post about the stealing of Haitian OIL and GOLD that going on right now
you keep them distracted... while i get the hub cap's...
Can't you just feel all of the love and compassion flowing here?
yupp...christmas is over and the easter bunny...is pissed...
JC- people are just TIRED of hearing the SAME OLD SONG. Disaster hits, we help/send money. Money disappears, only 6 mansions built and a 7-11. The 'haves' get new cars and trips abroad, while the 'have nots' sit in tent cities and wallow in it, thinking this is normal.Pick a decade, pick a disaster. We've heard this song before.
Lloyd, that may be, but it depends on the agency that you support. I'll probably catch hell, but Catholic Charities has probably sent more and done more with it than any other group, as have other religious denominations. That aside, our government sent money, and more in material aid such as food, water, tents, and, medical care by military providers. What our government did not do and probably should have done, is escort with armed troops all aid sent, making sure it got to where it was needed. We've sent material aid to other nations only to have it confiscated by troops sent to protect the people from imperialist propaganda tactics like sending aid. If we had used troops to escort aid convoys what would we have done? Lol, we'd be hearing about America invading another poor peace loving peoples state.
@mellowfello1526615 - I do not personally know what Catholic Charities does, so I am not attacking you at all.
When it comes to Haiti, Catholic Relief Services pledged a large sum of money but they have not paid one cent yet.
They are listed first in the "commitment" but when you scroll to the 9 agencies that actually gave Haiti money (bottom of page) - no faith based money is there. It's not an attack, over 50 agencies that were not faith based pledged money, but Haiti didn't receive it from them either.
Link: http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx?page=search-reporting_display&CQ=cq120112151911pDlr83izTT&orderby=ContributionStatusCode&showDetails=1
Black Kettle, I didn't mean to imply that you were attacking me, I just posted a comment in general to anyone interested.
It is obvious to that most of those commenting on this article have never been to Haiti nor do they understand the plight. This not a Republican or Democrat thing. It is not about the Haitian people "getting off their butts". It is about understanding the desperation of everyday life in Haiti. Our American homeless would be considered rich by Haitian standards. Our American homeless can find a meal or a shelter, the Haitians understand that what meal they are eating could be the only one of the week or their last. The infrastructure has been wiped out. The Haitians are trying rebuild and they are rebuilding from what is left after the devastation.
Those making negative comments should shut up and get on a plane and see first hand of what they speak. I did and will never be the same because of it.
HAITIANS DID GET OF THEIR BUTTS THERE IS A MONUMENT IN SAVANNAH TO PROVE THAT WHEN THEY FIGHTING AND DYING FOR THE FREEDOM THAT YOU NOW ENJOY. Gen.Andrew Jackson recruited Lt. Col. Joseph Savary former fighters for Haitian independence those fighters were not on their butts. Untill the early 1950 Haiti was called the pearl of the Antilies its only after the Haitian Minister of mines went to Venezuela ton enlist the aid oil profesioals that the American attitude toward Haiti changed, for his effort he was murdered in his hotel room in Caracas, also thats when the plan to wreck the Haitian currency wich was guarrantied 5 Haitian for one (1) US Dollar. Thats when the tourism started to slowdown and the final nail in the Haitian economic coffin was when Pres. J. Carter declared that Haiti was Full of AIDS. because Haitians returning from Africa were binging AIDS to Haiti. More Haitians went to Canada without spreading in Canada. The tourism died Haiti has been slowly dying financialy evercince .Being a NATIF BORN HAITIAN I KNOW THAT HAITIAN HAVE AND CAN TAKE A LOT OF ABUSES THE TIME WILL COME WHEN THE SPIRIT OF OUR FOREFATHERS WILL AWAKE IN EVERY HAITIANS THEN WE WILL BE MASTER OF OUR DESTINY ONCE AGAIN, WE DID IT ONCE BEFORE UNDER GREATER ODDS WE CAN DO IT AGAIN
Jacko - Then stand up and take control of the government and actually do something for a change. Sitting around whining and waiting for others to come up with solutions is simply counterproductive.
Thank goodness the imperialist US Army got out after the earth quake when Chavez told them to or else the Haitians would be oppresed and living in poverty.
<sarcasim>
The moderators are doing a poor job of deleting or collapsing these inflammatory and crude posts.
rkb, man, I'd hate to be a moderator, especially when what is inflammatory and crude is dependent on the person perceiving it.
No matter how much money is dumped into Haiti it will always be a cesspool. Their culture will insure it. Just another Detroit only in the Caribbean.
Unfortunately these people have NO motivation and corruption is widespread. They are taught from an early age to wait for the government to help no matter what the problem.
If the government or outside agencies do construct a lot of new homes then the people will move in and once they are torn up they will wait for the construction of more houses.
Education is what is lacking and the government of Haiti needs to man up.
Lol, damn Joyce, that almost sounds like America today. No need to do anything, just wait, send the mobs into the streets, Uncle Sugar will help save you. Can't or won't pay for the home you signed a contract to buy? Hell, stop paying, Uncle Sugar will save it. Can't or won't buy health insurance? No problem, Uncle Sugar will save you from the inevitable; Death. Hey, we're a big strong country, why should we expect more from poor folks living in a little poor and weak country?
We need to not just give money to these countries unless we know exactly who is distributing it and what it is doing for the people. It seems like we give for the people effected in these crisis and the poor never get it. Where is it going especially when we donate it to places like the red cross!
The government was corrupt before the earthquake and it continues to be corrupt. People were living in miserable housing before so nothing has really changed.
Right, but, people living before the earthquake are still living, so, that may be a good thing that hasn't changed, so, just maybe, we should try to help them. I have no problem helping Haitians, but, as the biggest and baddest, we should use our strength to help. If it means sending the military in then so be it. Those folks can't help themselves so, if we honor our standing in the world we have too. Lol, kind of funny is a way, some say that they should help themselves. People still walking around dazed, hungry, loved ones dead; "Well, guess we ought to pick up some rocks and clean the place up." Sort of like when Katrina hit, folks should have picked themselves up, wiped off the mud and started shoveling it away. And, what was the matter with folks in NYC? Hell, when the towers fell they should have started picking up the bricks.
"And what was the matter with the folks in NYC ? Hell, when the towers fell they should have started picking up bricks ". They did !
What Larry, to throw at the firemen and police, lol?
The UN should bring the entire Haitian government up on charges for crimes against humanity!!! They are corrupt & are starving their own people!!!
Q: What did the people live in before the hurricane? One island, Hispaniola, divided into two countries, Dominican Republic and Haiti. The DR is doing ok and has been for quite a while, Haiti has ruined it's land and resources and most people live in abject poverty. 100's of billions of dollars in relief aid and money was sent and most is unaccounted for. Any lesson learned?
Earthquake, not hurricane.
Thank you, Haiti's problems are no solved.
Actually, since the earthquake they've been through at least one hurricane and two strong tropical storms. I think that the current Cholera epidemic started after the hurricane hit.
Dahly, one lesson we should have learned; When disaster strikes a poor country and we send aid, go with the aid to make sure it's used properly.
Bottom line: Very worthwhile and deserving American charities were stripped of funds that were sent to Haiti instead. We sent so much that by now everyone in Haiti should be living in a McMansion, or something close to it. So we have a right to ask where that money went!
And as for Jacko's absurd statement that we are responsible for Haiti's problems because of slavery...we ended slavery almost 150 years ago, with a war that left a half million Americans dead.
Yes the slavery ended years ago but you fail to recognize we are living with the results today.
javondure - Am I supposed to feel guilty about something that happened 150 years ago? What more do you expect the current generation to do?
Casandra If you knew the history of Haiti howmany Haitians died for other countries freedom you would understand the racist policy that in place against Haiti . Dominican republic same island same land .the same gold vein in the northern part of the island from east to west .Mining in D.r. only now in Haiti. Oil reserve in Haiti NO COMPANY ALLOW TO DRILL . LIGNITE (coal) No company to dig..Embargos currency devaluation, who controls what happens in the Americas. United Nations troops in a Sovereign Nation that was not at war with its neighbor or was having a civil war.Who sent the foreign armed troops in Haiti violating Haitian sovereignty and constitution..Haitian constitution states in article 263: The public Forces are compose of 2two distinct bodies The Armed Forces of Haiti and the Polici Fotce 263:1 No other Armed Corps may exist in the National Territory. With being the bigest power in the neighborhood the U.N troops were sent in to keep Haiti exactly in the shape that it is in . So i say to you follow the politics with the U.N.troops Hugo Shavez will not be able to come to Haiti to repay for the Simon Bolivar received from Haitians in the form of soldierd , arms and spirit. The oil is still in the ground ..Inform yourself......
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Americans might take some of their own advise and get off their butts and do at least some minimum research.
Agriculture has not progressed beyond subsistence level. Basically they throw seeds on the ground and pray for rain. A long history of corrupt government.
Ended up with some of the most repressive and corrupt governments in the world, tolerated and given aid by the US simply because it was not communist.
Bulldozing and throwing up endless rows of cinderblock buildings for people to live in would be the creation of endless rows of coffins as this was exactly what killed so many people to begin with in this very seismically active area.
It did not help that UN troops from India brought in Cholera, which the already crappy, and now destroyed, medical facilities, were unable to cope with. The epidemic was further spread totally lack of any sewage and wastewater treatment facilities ( crappy to begin with, and now all destroyed)
Dropping bucketfulls of money into this place is fairly worthless. Good old fashioned capitalist get up and go is useless in a place where everything long ago got up and went and the money is simply taken by local warlords. The best thing that could happen for Haiti would be if something like the UN took it over in some kind of protectorate status. Its been the equivalent from a feudal society for so long that its difficult to conceive how any other form of government could possibly we worse.
Right Ray, more folks and me included ought to do more research. Research on what and how is more research going to help the poor Haitian people?
The story in unclear. Pledging is one thing. Actually giving and distributing donations is another. So the international community PLEDGED to give $4.5 billion, but only approximately $2 billion was collected? If that is true, how much of the whatever was collected has actually been put to work to get Haiti back on its feet??