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29769: Re : Emmanuelle Re : 29720: Durban (comment): On Emmigrating and Opportunity (fwd)
From: Emmanuelle Gilles <manugi28@yahoo.fr>
On Durban's comments, the Haitian migration should not be seen in such a
simplistic way. It is too complex of an issue. In 1986, when there was some
hope that Haiti had a chance to move on to a more stable living environment,
many many Haitians from the diaspora thought of going back home. Many more
than one can think. What they wanted was a minimum of security (physical,
financial, social )where they can exercise their freedom, rights and live in
peace. This was quickly translated into a dream, an illusion - the country
plunged into chaos from there on and many remained on standby waiting for the
miracle day which never came. There are indeed educated Haitians with positive
work ethics who remain - but they are the very courageous ones who accept the
faith that they have to struggle to earn their living since the state does not
value their knowledge, their values to put them at the noble service of their
country. They too do not want to work in the public sector -
emblem of corruption, instability and incompetence. I salute their courage but
they are not better off. I watch many good men and women with high intellect
and integrity being wasted because the country has not taken advantage of what
they can offer. The social governmental structure does not create an
environment for them to integrate into the mainstream development of the
country. However, those who choose to leave, as educated as they are - make a
choice to find better in a more structured environment where they can work and
live peacefully. Of course, many are disappointed and would have preferred to
remain home but with a weekly paycheck and easier access to loan to own a home
and a car - why not and despite the fact that their heart is in Haiti. Those
from the masses - emigrate because they have nothing and in their virtual mind
- they will discover wealth straight from the trees. Soon they will also be
disappointed but will settle for what they can find -
some scrub floors 12 hours a day - some cleans the elderly's excrement for
hours per day, in other words, all the dirty jobs that some groups in the
States will not do, they will do ; therefore talking about taxpayer's money is
absurd because we can very well talk about the sweat of the Haitians and the
many who are also paying taxes. The Haitians who left their country have not
left with taxpayer’s money nor are they greeted with taxpayer’s money upon
arrival. I don’t think we have such privileges. I should also highlight the
contribution of the Haitian community. They are the highest in numbers among
caribbean immigrants who have bought homes in many communities (e.g.Long Island
New York), etc…. thus they do play a major role in the US economy since many
pay high housing interests and taxes. I also know many Haitians who have
invested money in Haiti and have lost all. The Haitian so-called Bourgeois or
middle class do not feel secure to invest in their
country. They risk losing all if not by tontons macoutes during the
Duvalier era, now by Aristide chimeres. So far, no government has created an
enabling environment for long term internal investment. We have seen recently
many businesses destroyed by Aristides chimeres. The Dominican Republic
provides this security – we cannot thus blame the bourgeois for investing
abroad if they are not given the incentives to invest internally - The
Filipinos do not know Haiti, they may see opportunities that those who grew up
in Haiti or who have been living there for many years and who have experienced
the turbulences of Duvalier tonton macoutes, Aristide Chimeres and now
kinappings - cannot see. In many countries, foreigners have succeeded in
sectors where nationals have not. Which groups have the monopoly of fruit
markets in the states - isn'it the Koreans - and we can go on. Are they not
paying taxes or are they using taxpayer’s money. Regarding the Arab business
community – they are very entrepreneurial by blood and culture. They have
succeeded not just in Haiti but in Africa as well. Unfortunately, their
secrets and know- how is not passed on to Haitians. They work in family. An
experience can be acquired but traditions are harder to break.
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