21889: (Hermantin)Sun-Sentinel-Turn Ideas Into Action (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>
Turn Ideas Into Action



South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board

May 15, 2004

Efforts to stabilize Haiti will require a multitasking plan from the
country's interim leaders and supported by their allies abroad.

The first steps were taken earlier this month when the United Nations agreed
to send troops to relieve U.S. Marines. The U.N. contingent, scheduled to
arrive next month, faces a formidable security task: disarming the rebels.

Security could also be enhanced by developing an economy that creates
opportunity for the nation's 8.1 million people. There's much work to be
done in this arena. It's time to get down to business.

Haitian Prime Minister Gerard Latortue has taken a realistic step in this
direction. He dropped a previous demand that France repay Haiti $21 billion
in reparations for damages incurred by the Caribbean nation during its
independence fight 200 years ago.

Instead, Latortue has presented a more practical plan: asking French
companies to extend lines of credit to rebuild roads and the energy sector
to the tune of $200 million a year for five years.

In Washington, the Congressional Black Caucus wants $40 million in Haiti aid
added to next year's budget. The Bush administration has requested just $54
million in assistance for Haiti, of which only $28 million is for economic
development.

The dollar figures are large, so Latortue is going to have to convince folks
they won't be wasted or squandered. Still, the prime minister and his
supporters are correct to start drawing up economic master plans.

But the development strategy also must focus on trade rules and regulations.

For example, Congress should quickly enact the so-called HERO Act. The Haiti
Economic Recovery Opportunity Act would grant Haitian apparel duty-free
access to the United States if the goods were made of yarns or cloth
produced in a country with which the United States has a free-trade
agreement. Current trade rules require duty-free Haitian textiles to be made
from materials spun in the United States.

The HERO Act wouldn't have a great impact on U.S. industry, but if Congress
fast-tracked it to the White House for the president's signature, it could
send a positive message. Another important signal needs to come from the
United States: getting the all-important shipping port in Port-au-Prince to
address security concerns before it gets slapped with sanctions that would
only worsen the prospects for an economic rebound.

Initiatives to prod a turnaround are on the table. It's time to put them
into practice.
Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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