13821: Hyppolite Pierre on the pressing issues (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Hyppolite Pierre <hpierre@irsp.org>

Interesting how things have progressed, or rather regressed since early this
year. A presidency that promised so much, now in great difficulty if not to
say disarray. As things seem to fall further into virtual chaos, the
president himself has perhaps no other choice but to show leadership in
these extremely difficult times.

It's a given that he was elected by a majority, however controversial the
elections may be to detractors or some opponents of his. But when the vital
forces of civil society begin to lose, or have lost confidence in a régime,
even the mere instinct of survival of those in power requires courage that
goes beyond partisanship.

At this point, Aristide must first admit that all these problems are not
simply the result of the international community undermining his presidency.
After all, his predecessor René Préval did survive a series of
difficulties, including not having received directly financial aid from
international lenders since if I recall correctly, 1997. He still showed
leadership through his choices of Prime Minister, and his focus on what
could be accomplished with the little that he had. Today, many still revere
him although they had misgivings about him while he was president. I guess
he did put the hawks in check, or that they didn't like or trust him. In
either case, that was good for him.

Aristide should have borrowed long ago from these experiences, and should
have stopped long ago from trying to get money from the international
comunity while scandal and accusations have kept on plaguing his régime. He
should and still can, try to create a climate of confidence by doing a few
things.

1-Revamp his cabinet and replace those he should, with elements who know how
to administer. That means he would have to put his faith in technocrats
rather than politicians.

2-Although I personally like Yvon Neptune, he should strip him of his title
as Prime Minister and replace him with someone who can help build stronger
confidence in his government. He could either call on people like Smark
Michel (who probably wouldn't accept anyway), or even Alexis, Préval's last
successful and competent Prime Minister.

3-Once that is done, he should convene with those who have the strongest
doubt against him, including and perhaps especially the business leaders,
and listen to their concern and follow through on whatever promises he could
make to them.

4-Then, he should call on his troops and require of them that they stop the
endless demonstrations that are simply strengthening the hands of the most
hawkish elements in his political party, not necessarily the most apt at
governing. After all, Main Street (in Haiti's case Boulevard Jean-Jacques
Dessalines) needs to function so the economy can start moving again.

5-Work with the international community, especially the OAS so they can give
the proper logistical support for the elections still scheduled for next
year.

But for (3), (4), and (5) to work, (1) and (2) have to be accomplished
first. Otherwise, the problems that have begun to accumulate a little under
a year ago will only worsen. At that point, no demonstrations of his
partisans or constitutional argument from the still cool-headed few, will
help him survive. That would be perhaps tragic for Haiti in many ways.

What I have listed here is exactly what the hard-line right and left
wingers, hostile to him personally and willing to give him the guillotine
are hoping that he won't do. That is also what the hawks in his régime are
probably telling him not to do, for their margin of power would be reduced
significantly.

The constitutional argument may be valid in so many ways, and only so long
as the leadership itself understands that the reality is much more complex
than just the legalities of governing in a country inexperienced with the
Rule of Law. If Aristide does not take the risk of doing the right things, I
am afraid that a few months, or perhaps even weeks from now, he may have to
follow the same route as so many other hawkish leaders in the past.

My friends on this list, I am afraid of the consequences for everyone, and
my concern are especially for the most vulnerable in society who still
believe in Aristide's earlier promises.

Still hoping that reason will prevail in Haiti,
Hyppolite Pierre
IRSP
http://www.irsp.org