Do Not Give Up On Yourself

I grew up in a Christian family. I take pleasure to call it an orthodox Christian family - so much that the rules and regulations were stringent. It was during the Duvaliers' era, (the much feared Tonton Makouts). One principal rule that I remembered too well as a Christian child was that "Christians do not get involved in politics." Nobody in my actual family circle was involved in anything political or governmental. In fact, nobody I knew in my church environment did. One distant cousin of mine who was a police chief, he was considered evil. When I became adult and started to understand the world environment, I drew an inference: "God had given up to the devil in Haiti." So it is no surprise that the country is in such a state of shame. Good gave up to evil. The Duvaliers' reign has remained one of the most ignoramus and fearful dictatorship in history. And, with all the shameful past, Haiti is what it is today.

Why do I want to remain concerned as to the Haitian cause?

The ignominious fiasco that all our unlearned leaders have caused through time has brought us to the ultimate shame of today. Still, when I look at it, we have all remained Haitian. Unfortunately we have scattered all about. Yet, I think none of my readers would have the courage to deny his nationality. Thus, whatever Haitian has become today; whatever Haitian represents; that's what we all are. That's what gives me the urge too to continue to keep concern about Haitian and to look for ways to improve our lot. In my view, if we are given up like that and allow things to continue in their decrepit ways, we are contributing to the failure that we have become. We could of course sit here and blame others, utilizing the state of defense mechanism of Haitian alienation. However, the big question remains hanging: What and how much have you and I contributed to change the course of thing? And, I must add. Given up on the Haitian cause is given up on our own selves.

By E.C. GRANMOUN

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Good News?

I was talking to a Dominican guy last week, and he asked me if I had heard the good news about the mineral wealth discovered along the Haitian-Dominican border. I responded affirmatively. He specified, "half for Haiti and half for the Dominican Republic." I acknowledged. Then, I told him that I am very happy for the Dominicans since I know that their government would make good with their share, but I cannot say the same about Haiti. Haitian governments have no history of doing what is right for their nation. He was quick to reply, "I know."

He is an older gentleman. He began to tell me about some mineral that was discovered in Haiti before. He said the name of the mineral in Spanish. I did not catch it, but I believe he was referring to the "kwiv" that was found there. He said excitedly, "We were glad for the Haitians; we thought they were going to do something for the country." Then, as he put it, we watched as everything got shipped abroad and nothing for the people. I replied. That's the big question mark that is hanging over the newly found treasure for Haiti. Nobody - the news media, the international community, intellectuals and experts- expects much good to come out of it, since Haitian leaders have no history of doing good for their nation. We walked away. I sensed that the old man felt very sad for his Haitian cousins.

I left very sad too. I kept on asking myself, what can I do? What can a simple Haitians do to make sure that the new-found wealth does some good for the nation or the mass of the people? I have no answer so far. Very likely we are all going to sit there and watch everything wasted away as ever. Perhaps too somebody could take a stand and demand accountability.

By E.C. GRANMOUN

ecgranmoun.blogspot.com

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Ironic

Hello my friends. A great deal has taken place since my last post. Haiti has a new prime minister, the wan-a-be military thugs have been chasing away, and they have discovered mineral wealth in the country. It is all sound good. Usually, you only hear bad things about Haiti and Haitians. A little good news is a relief. We cannot be too optimistic, but we should not negate what is good either. In fact, it is our prerogative to do our best to maintain positivism about us, Haitians. It is ironic, but it is us. So my wish is for more positivism to spring forth in regard of our Haitian nature. Our job is to try as hard as possible to make it happen.