Caricom’s quest for leadership role in Haiti

My topic for this post is Haiti amidst the global softpower and global

leadership in the rebuilding process.

I just had a chat with a friend about this topic and he mentioned the

internet and facebook as the main global softpowers. Which I disagree,

understanding that these are medias and not the message.

Haiti is to share its rebuilding process with global powers including

countrries (USA, Canada, France, Brazil and the Domnican Republic);

global, regional and multilateral organizations (UN, OAS, IDB,WB, EU

and Caricom and global personalities and philantropies.

I want to focus more on Caricom leadership and the call of its leaders to

play ‘a clear role’ in the reconstruction of Haiti.

Caricom has a special envoy to Haiti. It’s former Jamaican prime minister

PJ Patterson who spoke at th UN international donors

conference.

He did not say that much and his pocket is not as deep as others.

Some caricom members accused the international community

of excluding the Caribbean from reconstruction efforts in Haiti,

following the January earthquake.

They also argue that Caricom can provide the voice that Haiti

itself does not have, in its time of crisis.

I totally agree with this comment. But Caricom should also

prove to be an inclusive

community first and to accept Haitians on thir soil not to

deport them neither stigmatize them.

Leadership comes with responsibility. And the softpower and

leadership role Caricom is seeking for should start with a clear

acceptance of Haiti and Haitians to be part wholly in the community

and to guarantee its members protection and

acceptance on the soil of the 14 sovereign nations.

Caricom wants be the column for the steering wheel, while arguing

for Haiti to be in the driving seat.

But, Caricom should start by proving it cares for Haitians in its

country members first.

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