Reneging on promises to Haiti
As a Haitian living in Canada, my heart was broken after Haiti’s devastating earthquake on January 12. Although all of my family survived, I lost friends and so much of my country was destroyed. I was devastated and felt powerless to help.
Less than a month later, I had the honour of delivering ONE’s petition on Haiti debt forgiveness to the G8 in my hometown of Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Signed by over 200,000 ONE members from around the world, I was overjoyed when I heard the announcement come through a few days later: Haiti’s debt had been forgiven, meaning a country struggling to rebuild had one less obstacle to face.
But I’m writing to you because ONE members can make a huge difference in Haiti once again.
In the hours and days after the quake, many world leaders pledged to give Haiti the money they needed to help rebuild. But six months later, only 10% of that money has actually made it to the country. Only four countries have delivered any aid at all to Haiti (Australia, Brazil, Estonia and Norway) with Canada, the UK and most EU countries being on track to deliver.
President Clinton, UN Special Envoy to Haiti has vowed to follow-up with these deadbeat donors and we want to show the world is with him. By signing our petition in support of President Clinton, you’ll help demonstrate global support for Haiti’s speedy recovery.
Haiti has fought hard to survive and rebuild in these last six months, but if the promised funds are not delivered then their ability to plan and prepare for the future is compromised. People are still living in tents, the streets are still covered with rubble and jobs are practically non-existent.
Imagine what a difference we could make if world leaders delivered the other 90% today. Tomorrow another family might have a safe place to call home before the hurricane season rips through. Next month another girl might be walking through the doors of a new school. Next year another hospital might open to help mothers deliver babies in a clean, safe space.
I hope you’ll join me once again in ensuring Haiti is not forgotten.
Thank you,
Michèle Bertol
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30/07/2010 at 4:59 am
Greetings,
there has been an email sent to you by me just today, under “general inquiries”, on this matter and regarding my own country (Greece) and the reason behind delay. Please do read. Thank you.
31/07/2010 at 9:51 am
Why was the Philippines singled out in the email sent about this?
Have it ever occurred to you to consider the realities of a country first before you shame them? Of course, the Philippines will honor its promises but to shame the entire country because they are late is just wrong and immoral.
For one, the country is currently bankrupt that elections for October has to be postponed. Second, two major storms struck the country last year and most have yet to recover (and One was not even able to help during this time but you were quick to shame the country!) and another typhoon season is coming, water crisis in many parts, infestation of pests in its agriculture, and yet you demand that the Philippines honor its pledge now while its own people are dying?
How insensitive of you?
06/08/2010 at 9:16 pm
right now the aid in Haiti, this a little slow, the people of that country, is estan being hopeless, many try to like of place crossing the border to Dominican Republic, due to the so depressing situation that they live in his country.