GeoDesign: A Solution to Rebuild and Transform Haiti Today, and the World Tomorrow

Photo Credit: Neil Cooke of The Institute for Conscious Global Change

GeoDesign: A Solution to Rebuild and Transform Haiti Today, and the World Tomorrow

by Cindy Similien-Johnson

I was born to Haitian parents, and growing up, I would hear stories about Haiti -- the first Black country to gain its independence from colonial rule in 1804. Haiti paid a heavy price for the right to be free. The country is known to be the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. As a nation, economic prosperity has been delayed and its citizens languish in poverty. However, the devastating earthquake in 2010 brought national attention to the country with monetary pledges from across the world. Donors pledged an estimated $4.6 billion in the aftermath of the earthquake, according to the UN, yet only 43 percent of those relief funds have been disbursed.

80% of the Haitians who leave behind their country for educational and economic opportunities abroad never return to ameliorate the plight of the marginalized who have been left behind. The one question continually pondered by those of the Haitian Diaspora, including me, is: “What can I do to rebuild Haiti?”

On November, 12, 2014, I, along with Haitian governmental and business leaders, professionals, and students, gathered at Peace Islands  Institute (535 Fifth Avenue, New York City) for a panel discussion entitled, “Haiti Today, the World Tomorrow: GeoDesigning Haiti to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." 

The forum was sponsored by The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC), Haiti Initiative for Building Innovative and Sustainable Communities (HIBISCUS), Reviving Haiti, Inc., and Peace Islands Institute (PII).

Panelists included Mr. Bonivert Claude, Former Governor, Haitian Central Bank;  Ms. Magali Regis, President and Architect, Haiti Initiative for Building Innovative and Sustainable Communities; Mr. Scott F. Allen; Executive Director, Institute for Conscious Global Change; and, Mr. Mehmet Kilic, Director of Center for Global Affairs, Peace Islands Institute. There were responses from youth professionals, including Ms. Vanessa Vincent, Economist; and, Mr. Richard Sam, Electrical Engineer. Ms. Astrid Fidelia, Strategic Planning and Marketing Senior Vice President, Anchor Capital International, was the Moderator.

Transforming Haiti into a safe, prosperous, and sustainable country can be achieved though developing a strategic, comprehensive plan using an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is a tool that will help implement the goals of sustainability and document Haiti's developmental progress by collecting demographic, geographic, agricultural, medical, economic, and governmental data.

Infrastructure is a key component in successfully achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals, the emerging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the overall Post-2015 development agenda in Haiti.  Using GIS technology, the primary focus will be on the infrastructure needs of the country which are determined through rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. Such a program can be implemented successfully by the cooperation of the government and the involvement of its citizens.

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Denis Regis, the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the UN, delivered the Keynote Speech. He said, “GeoDesigning Haiti to achieve the sustainable goals is indeed timely." He desired Haiti to be a model for sustainable development. He related the many programs the Government of Haiti has already implemented to address the Millennium Development Goals (i.e. eradicating hunger and poverty, preventing child deaths, and addressing social challenges).

Mr. Regis made an impassioned plea to the government, institutions, organizations, and private citizens around the world to invest in Haiti. He said, “Haiti is committed to economic reform with a view to making the country an investors’ destination. We are standing ready to welcome the vital and increased participation of the local and international private sector, including the Haitian Diaspora.” He ended his keynote stating that "Haiti is open for business."

Ms. Etta D. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Institute for Conscious Global Change, showcased a video entitled, “Reclaiming Haiti,” that highlighted the progress of the Millennium Earth Project in Haiti and her desire to transform Haiti into a viable nation.

Mr. Manfred St. Julien, a Haitian-American architect, and Mr. Gregory LeMaire did a presentation on the GeoDesign of Haiti. Their presentation revealed the transformational progress of Saint-Raphaël, a small locality in the northern region of Haiti. The city was selected as a pilot city because of the cooperation of the Mayor and its geospatial data. Like the other provinces of Haiti, Saint-Raphaël has soil erosion and deforestation. The agricultural economy and telecommunication lines are present. However, many things are lacking such as schools, hospitals, modern building codes, zoning laws, roads, and cultural institutions. The powerpoint presentation revealed tremendous progress of the city within just a few years because of the application of the GIS.

Mr. Julien expressed his desire to lift the people of Haiti out of poverty through urban planning. “The country needs our help,” he said. “We cannot forget. A passion must be renewed to make a difference in Haiti. We must re-think how we can put our efforts together to resolve the issue of poverty and truly improve the quality of life of the Haitian people.”

As the event drew to a close, every attendee was charged with the responsibility of transforming Haiti through his or her talent, time, and resources. Haiti requires the capacity, the manpower, and the support it needs to be rebuilt and reconstructed into a great nation. Those who are interested in making an investment in Haiti can partake in one of the many sponsorship opportunities. To learn more information, please visit consciousglobalchange.org.

Many will call to mind the story of the Biblical figure Nehemiah who was instrumental in the rebuilding and reestablishment of Jerusalem in the fifth century B.C. following the Babylonian exile. He received news that “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire (Nehemiah 1:3).” 

Nehemiah was granted permission to return to Jerusalem and enlisted the help of the people to quickly repair the breaches of the wall of Jerusalem. Despite much opposition, the work was completed in 52 days with the cooperation of officials, the workers, and the people. His story reveals the compassion, courage, and perseverance that the Haitian Diaspora and supporters alike must possess for Haiti to be a viable nation with powerful, purposeful, and proud citizens.

What can I do to rebuild Haiti? I have used my talent as a writer to share this information with you, dear reader, so that I can inspire you to utilize your time, talents, and resources as well to rebuild our beloved country.

Respe!