29769: Re : Emmanuelle Re : 29720: Durban (comment): On Emmigrating and Opportunity (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Emmanuelle Gilles <manugi28@yahoo.fr>

On Durban's comments,  the Haitian migration should not be seen in such a 
simplistic way.  It is too complex of an issue.  In 1986, when there was some 
hope that Haiti had a chance to move on to a more stable living environment, 
many many Haitians from the diaspora thought of going back home.  Many more 
than one can think. What they wanted was a minimum of security (physical, 
financial, social )where they can exercise their freedom, rights and live in 
peace.  This was quickly translated into a dream, an illusion - the country 
plunged into chaos from there on and many remained on standby waiting for the 
miracle day which never came.  There are indeed educated Haitians with positive 
work ethics who remain - but they are the very courageous ones who accept the 
faith that they have to struggle to earn their living since the state does not 
value their knowledge, their values to put them at the noble service of their 
country.  They too do not want to work in the public sector -
 emblem of corruption, instability and incompetence. I salute their courage but 
they are not better off.  I watch many good men and women with high intellect 
and integrity being wasted because the country has not taken advantage of what 
they can offer.  The social governmental structure does not create an 
environment for them to integrate into the mainstream development of the 
country.  However, those who choose to leave, as educated as they are - make a 
choice to find better in a  more structured environment where they can work and 
live peacefully.  Of course, many are disappointed and would have preferred to 
remain home but with a weekly paycheck and easier access to loan to own a home 
and a car - why not and despite the fact that their heart is in Haiti.  Those 
from the masses - emigrate because they have nothing and in their virtual mind 
- they will discover wealth straight from the trees.  Soon they will also be 
disappointed but will settle for what they can find -
 some scrub floors 12 hours a day - some cleans the elderly's excrement for 
hours per day, in other words, all the dirty jobs that some groups in the 
States will not do, they will do ;  therefore talking about taxpayer's money is 
absurd because we can very well talk about the sweat of the Haitians and the 
many who are also paying taxes.  The Haitians who left their country have not 
left with taxpayer’s money nor are they greeted with taxpayer’s money upon 
arrival.  I don’t think we have such privileges.  I should also highlight the 
contribution of the Haitian community.  They are the highest in numbers among 
caribbean immigrants who have bought homes in many communities (e.g.Long Island 
New York), etc…. thus they do play a major role in the US economy since many 
pay high housing interests and taxes. I also know many Haitians who have 
invested money in Haiti and have lost all. The Haitian so-called Bourgeois or 
middle class do not feel secure to invest in their
 country.    They risk losing all if not by tontons macoutes during the 
Duvalier era, now by Aristide chimeres.   So far, no government has created an 
enabling environment for long term internal investment.  We have seen recently 
many businesses destroyed by Aristides chimeres.  The Dominican Republic 
provides this security – we cannot thus blame the bourgeois for investing 
abroad if they are not given the incentives to invest internally - The 
Filipinos do not know Haiti, they may see opportunities that those who grew up 
in Haiti or who have been living there for many years and who have experienced 
the turbulences of Duvalier tonton macoutes, Aristide Chimeres and now 
kinappings -  cannot see.  In many countries, foreigners have succeeded in 
sectors where nationals have not.  Which groups have the monopoly of fruit 
markets in the states - isn'it the Koreans - and we can go on.  Are they not 
paying taxes or are they using taxpayer’s money.  Regarding the Arab business
 community – they are very entrepreneurial by blood and culture. They have 
succeeded not just in Haiti but in Africa as well.  Unfortunately, their 
secrets and know- how is not passed on to Haitians.  They work in family.  An 
experience can be acquired but traditions are harder to break.






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