Most of us have heard the phrase “wining the hearts and minds” many times over.  It is a phrase vital to the mission in Afghanistan; It is easier said than done. This has been repeatedly shown to the United Nations with regards to Haiti. We all know how hard it is to overcome hurts and slights in our personal relationships. The same is true for nations. They carry a lot of baggage and move beyond old arguments.

Haiti is a tiny nation with a huge amount of baggage. Like many countries that have experienced turmoil in the last decade, a colonial past is often very difficult to rise above. An analogy can be drawn with children born into poverty, low rates of literacy, and substance abuse. Despite many social programs, as a society we are still trying to solve this issue. The same can be said for many third world countries.

If you had asked most people about Haiti six months ago, I suspect that little was known. Haiti was just the place that shared an island with the Dominican Republic. It was the ugly neighbour to an island paradise. This all changed on the 12^th of January, 2010, when the island nation was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Since then, images of Haiti have bombarded our televisions. Seeing such destruction, devastation, and poverty may make us feel completely helpless. There is so much to do; one hardly knows where to start.With regards to international attention, Haiti has won the lottery: The world is ready and eager to help.

Since 1993, the United Nations has been directly involved with Haiti through a stabilization mission. In all these years, this mission has struggled to make an effective change for the better. Winning the hearts and minds of the Haitian people has been a difficult battle to win. To truly help a people, one must know a people. To change the course of a nation, it is essential to understand the past.

The Republic of Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was occupied by the Taino Indians. Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain in 1492. The island was exploited for its gold. The native population suffered the fate of native populations everywhere. Disease wrecked havoc. Slaves from Africa were brought in to work the mines. The island was also settled the French buccaneers.

The Treaty of Ryswick, 1697, divided the island between France and Spain giving the western third to France. The colony was called Saint-Dominique and by 1790 it was the largest French colony in the world. Great wealth was obtained through the trade of coffee, indigo, and sugar. This export industry ran on the backs of African slaves. Despite 1793 bringing a revolution which resulted in slavery being abolished, Saint-Dominique still experienced both internal and external strife. A slave revolt for independence and emancipation resulted in the birth of Haiti.

Sadly, this new re-birth did not end the turmoil. Conflict continued between the various ethnic groups. As with any country, when an oppressed party gains power, the oppressor is often subjected to the comeuppance. Haiti was no exception. The kid who has been bullied on the school yard becomes the bully.

Colonial influence did not end with independence. Haiti has suffered through thirty-two coups in just 200 years. Why so many? Too many hands are stirring the pot that is Haiti. Germans, Americans, French, British, and even the Syrians have exploited an unstable situation to further their own goals. Haiti has left its colonial past behind but that past continues to haunt Haiti to this day. A constantly changing government as well as endless corruption has made it impossible for Haiti to build a stable, functioning infrastructure that is the cornerstone of any successful country.

Haitians realize that members of the international community have interfered with their country before and that the Haitians usually got the short end of the stick. This legacy makes winning the hearts and minds of the Haitian people a near impossible task.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti has been in place since 2004. Its mandate is to ensure the rule of law and public safety. Sounds admirable, something any Haitian would support. But, this is Haiti and everything must be viewed through the lens of history. The armed gang situation is out of control. There is an elected President who many see as corrupt. Others are waiting in the wings to seize control. The United Nations Mission is trying to stabilize a very volatile situation but has suffered from an image problem. Many Haitians view the UN as working for other countries who are once again trying to influence events in Haiti for their benefit. Winning the hearts and minds of a people who do not trust you is nearly impossible. But, without winning this battle no real change can be made. Despite The United Nations being in Haiti since 2004, there was barely a functioning government. The infrastructure was in shambles. And this was before Haiti was struck by a series of four devastating hurricanes in 2008. Haiti had not recovered from this cruel blow by Mother Nature before it suffered the horrific earthquake of 2010.

When most countries suffer from a catastrophic natural disaster, the county’s government steps in and begins re-building. Haiti’s government was barely functioning before the earthquake. Government buildings have been destroyed. Hospitals are in ruins. The walls of the prison have crumbled with thousands of dangerous criminals back on the streets. Suffice it to say, Haiti is in shambles. The world is offering any help needed to rebuild, to create a Haiti that will thrive and prosper. The Haiti of old lies in ruins and hopefully a stronger, less corrupt Haiti will emerge from the ruble.

Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, learned an important lesson while visiting a refugee camp for  survivors of the conflict between Pakistan and India. Greg entered the camp in Pakistan with his own ideas of what the survivors needed. His list included many of the necessities of life. He was advised to ask the people themselves what they needed to make their lives easier. The answer was surprising and insightful: They wanted an oasis. Coming from a very green, fertile region to a refugee camp that was desolate was very difficult. Having some green and growing things around would make their situation much easier. The lesson: do not presume that we know what someone else needs or wants. The importance of asking, getting to know a people can not be understated. People have to trust you before they will let you help them. If the international community can learn this lesson the hearts and minds of the Haitian people can be won and Haiti can emerge from the ruble.

Stats of Haiti before the earthquake

• 98% of Haiti has suffered from deforestation.
• 50% of children attended school.
• 50% of Haitian children are unvaccinated.
• 40% of Haitians have access to health care.
• 50% illiteracy rate
• 80% of Haitians live in poverty.
• $2.00 a day or less is what the average Haitian lives on.
• 80% of Haitians who achieve higher education leave.
• 1% of the population holds almost 50% of the wealth.

For more information on Haiti:

United Nations Security Council Meeting (September 2009). “International Support Has Given Haiti Historic Chance to Consolidate Stability.”

For information on donating to Haitian Disaster Relief:

CTV News. Options for Donating to the Quake Relief.

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