Monday, at the Sahara Lounge (Petion-ville) Olicier Pieriche, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad, in his closing speech of the "Month of the Diaspora" in the presence of members of the Government, of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the diaspora, recalled in particular the four priorities of his Ministry for the Diaspora.

Extract from the speech of the Minister Pieriche :

"[...] First, it is necessary that the Haitians arriving from abroad feel immediately and concretely mentored upon arrival. They should not be considered as intruders but rather as Haitians returning to the home. They must be able to be accompanied in their efforts, in their projects, to the extent of MHAVE capabilities;

Secondly, the granting of official documents (birth certificates, national ID card, passport, etc.) is also a priority. The delivery of these documents to our compatriots in the Diaspora, within a reasonable time, will be a spectacular success for MHAVE and for the State of Haiti. I know of course that this requires significant resources;

The third priority is that relating to the ability to vote in national elections while abroad. We have closely followed the related information that Judie C. Roy just brought us. A draft law is being refined to the Ministry in order to create the legal framework for Haitians in the diaspora to vote;

The fourth priority, which is for some the first, it's dual nationality. This is a question that always comes up in all the discussions begun at the Diaspora level. The Government is working and I hope that in a not too distant future this dream become a reality.

[...] Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Michel Joseph Martelly, Prime Minister, His Excellency Evans Paul, my ministerial colleagues and myself, we all want, with you, take action to give our Diaspora the rightful place. This requires decisions and also a state of mind [...]"

HL/ HaitiLibre