Embracing Haiti: A Call for Cultural Understanding and Self-Determination

A return to self-determination and communal values. The detrimental impact of foreign interference and the importance of Haitians coming together to reshape their own future.

Haiti! A land of rich history, vibrant culture, and resilient people, Haiti stands as a beacon of hope and strength in the face of adversity. But alongside its beauty lies a struggle—a struggle not just against external forces but against the imposition of foreign systems that fail to grasp the essence of what Haiti truly is.

Haiti, the first black republic, holds a unique position in history. Its story is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and tribulation, courage and resilience. Yet, despite its distinctiveness, Haiti finds itself ensnared in a web of Western ideologies and systems that do not align with its communal essence.

As someone deeply rooted in Haitian culture, I can't help but feel the weight of frustration at the continued imposition of foreign systems upon our land. The Western model of governance, whether capitalist or communist, does not fit Haiti's communal spirit. We are not a country driven solely by profit margins or political ideologies. Instead, we thrive on community bonds, collective efforts, and a shared sense of identity.

But time and again, we see attempts to mold Haiti into a shape it was never meant to take. Outsiders, with their well-meaning but misguided intentions, seek to impose solutions without understanding the complexities of our culture and history. The result? A system that not only fails to serve the people but actively works against them.

Take, for instance, the interference of foreign powers in our affairs. From the Wilson Administration's intervention in the early 20th century to recent instances of political manipulation, Haiti has long been subject to external control. The infamous seizure of Haiti's gold reserve in 1914 stands as a stark reminder of this history of exploitation.

But it's not just about the past; it's about the present, too. Our leaders, caught in a web of foreign influence and self-interest, often prioritize the demands of external powers over the needs of their own people. The result? A fractured society rife with poverty, corruption, and violence.

The solution, however, lies not in further external intervention or brute force. It lies in a return to our roots, a reclamation of our identity, and a reimagining of our future. Haiti needs a system that is by the people, for the people—a system that reflects our values, traditions, and aspirations.

But this change cannot come from external forces. It must start from within—from the hearts and minds of the Haitian people themselves. We must come together as a community to envision and enact the change we wish to see. Our leaders must be held accountable, not to foreign powers, but to the very people they serve.

And amidst the chaos and turmoil, there is hope. The diaspora, awakened to the plight of their homeland, stands ready to lend support and solidarity. We know we can build a Haiti that honors its past, embraces its present, and dreams of a brighter future.

So, we will not succumb to despair or resignation. We will rise united in our determination to reclaim our sovereignty, our dignity, and our future. We will be the architects of our own destiny, the guardians of our own dreams.

The diaspora speaks English, and we will be the voice of our people. The media will never understand. Each country is unique, like each human being, with flaws and strengths. And our STRENGHT is COMMUNITY.

Womenful Voice