Haiti Needs Help

The island nation is in crisis.

Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise was assassinated and his wife is in the hospital after armed intruders entered their home early Wednesday (source: CNN). Moise was a controversial leader in Haiti. Earlier this year, he refused to step down from office. Now, the country is under the control of the Prime Minister. Haiti is currently under martial law with its airports closed as a search continues for the shooters.

Haiti has had more than its fair share of crises over the years. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and government instability have plagued the country. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. Crime is rampant as local gangs fight for control, causing many citizens to flee to the Dominican Republic, other Caribbean countries, and the United States.

The United States and other countries have the ability to help Haiti. We need to see in UN Peacekeepers to thwart the gangs. Humanitarian aid needs to be provided. The citizens need food and housing. Haiti’s infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. The world has the resources to help Haiti rebuild.

Government corruption has hurt Haiti’s efforts to get back on solid footing. There’s been too much in-fighting and not enough fiscal oversight. Billions were poured into the country after it suffered several earthquakes and severe flooding from hurricanes. Yet, if you go to Haiti, you’d see little evidence of progress. Where has all the money gone?

The people of Haiti deserve better than this. Haiti is a beautiful country full of sandy beaches and glorious mountains. Haiti should be a vacationer’s paradise. But the crime and instability make many people reluctant to visit the country. Those who do return with sad tales of desperation and fear. The world needs to help Haiti. This country deserves to thrive.