Message from the Consulate of Haiti in Montreal :

"Dear compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, January 1st, 2024 gives us the opportunity to remember and rehash the happy moments of our life as a people. Glory and honor to the Founding Fathers of our dear country who shed their blood to give us independence.

But, despite all these sacrifices, O Haiti, our beloved Homeland, how many times have we not shown ourselves unworthy of the gesture of 1804? How many times have we not vandalized the sacred temple of the Fatherland instead of protecting it? We reflect today with a heart charged with a feeling of gratitude but heavy because of our failings and our inconsistencies throughout our two hundred years of history as a free people.

Indeed, generations of Haitians succeed one another but must face the same difficulties, face the same unfortunate events. We have learned almost nothing from the experiences of our elders. Think about it: already, in 1806, it was the sound of cannons, the whistling of bullets that marked the celebration of the second anniversary of our Independence when the civil war broke out between the North and the South under the command of two of the Heroes of Independence.

And, since then, there has been a succession of internal crises which often degenerate into bloody conflicts.

We continued to commemorate in a macabre way the major dates of our beautiful and epic history. Commenting on the events between the troops loyal to Anténor Firmin and those commanded by General Nord Alexis which marked the hundredth anniversary of our independence in 1904, historians like Roger Gaillard have tried to make us aware of the fact that civil war is "an option dramatic". However, deaf to their call, nothing, at least until now, seems capable of stopping our mad race towards the abyss. One hundred years later, 2004, which should mark a milestone in our journey toward greater light, was a nightmarish year and found us in disunity and another drawn-out civil war.

Dear compatriots,

The time has come to get back on the right path. We must do it together in the union that creates strength and through sincere dialogue. Gone are the days of browning. The situation is too serious to practice the worst-case policy, that of "get out of there, let me get started", or to pretend. We must all think about putting our hands to work for the advent of the new Haiti we have dreamed of.

Fortunately, there are still well-trained human resources on the national territory ready to devote themselves to this grandiose task despite the massive exodus of brains and hands in recent years. We also have many dedicated sons and daughters in the diaspora willing to participate in the regeneration of the motherland.

Indeed, we interpret your success in Quebec society which welcomed you as proof of your abilities, your potential and your intelligence. But your most resounding and astonishing achievement remains the economic and financial contribution you make to the land of your ancestors. According to certain statistics, together you are the largest donor to Haiti.

The Consulate's dearest wish is that you add an investment component to that of supporting consumption and your loved ones that you do so well. Without the development of the national apparatus for producing goods and services, the money you send does not stay in the country's economic circuit and heads elsewhere. I encourage you to join forces in associations to create groups of viable investors, project leaders who are likely to positively influence the economic development of the country...

Cooperation programs developed with friendly countries or international institutions can help reduce vulnerabilities. We are grateful for the help provided by Quebec, for example, in many areas. However, we are convinced that nothing can replace your involvement and your responsibility in a battle which is above all ours.

The Government as well as the diplomatic and consular missions will always be there to support you in your efforts. Incentive measures for foreign investment have been taken in the recent past. Now, once state institutions have been reestablished, the proposals that are already on the table regarding the promotion of diaspora investments will need to be finalized with a view to creating a climate conducive to the implementation of your business projects in the country.

Another year full of hopes and dreams for a better future for our country is ahead of us. Through our actions, we can turn the bleak outlook into tomorrows which sing for the greatest joy of the entire Haitian people who only ask for a little peace, justice and understanding to participate in the prosperity of the country...

Long live the Haitian community of Quebec! Long live Haiti!"

HL/ HaitiLibre