On Assisting Haiti To Revive Its Future---Part 1

1.1

In Haiti's heart, a heavy sigh, 

Where gunshots pierce the morning sky. 

Innocent lives, a fleeting breath, 

Lost to a storm that brings not rain, but death.

And even sadder, children stand, 

Books unopened, dreams in sand. 

Empty classrooms, futures dim, 

The weight of absence crushing them.

For when the schoolhouse doors are shut, 

Generations stumble in a silent rut. 

No whispered knowledge, skills untaught, 

A cycle trapped, a bitter draught.

But hope still flickers, though it's frail, 

In whispered stories, courage's tale. 

Haitian spirit, strong and bold, 

Will rise above, a story told.

1.2 

The heartbreaking reality in Haiti this morning is the " bank-to-bank" reality of violence against innocent Haitian people yesterday, today and in the days to come. Equally distressing is the fact that numerous promising Haitian children won't be able to attend school tomorrow or in the foreseeable future. This casts a shadow of sadness over Haiti's prospects, potentially dimming its future for generations to come. Beyond the $333 million aid from the US for policings, soldierings, and threatenings to shoot which will often manifest in English-speaking boots on the ground ready to resort to violence against black people, what additional support can be extended by nations like Jamaica, CARICOM, and even Kenya.                                            

In addressing this urgent situation, it's imperative to devise affordable and sustainable strategies to aid the 11.5 million CARICOM citizens in Haiti towards a swifter recovery and a brighter future. While the issue is complex, it's essential that we plot a route through it with the collective well-being of CARICOM nations in mind, particularly Jamaica, as Haiti's close neighbor.          

Jamaica stands as a beacon of tolerable education in the region with 947 six-year primary schools, 180 seven-year secondary schools, and several (at least 12) teacher training institutions including UWI, UTECH, and The Mico University College, all situated in the capital city Kingston. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University is based in Mandeville. Within CARICOM, there are approximately 30 tertiary institutions offering teacher training programs. A plausible and cost-effective strategy could involve Jamaica offering scholarships for primary, secondary, and teacher training education to Haitian students. Beginning in September 2025, Jamaica could provide scholarships for two Haitian pupils per year-grade at each of its primary schools for a period of six years, totaling 11,640...(2 x 6 x 970).... primary school educations taught in English.                                                                

Similarly, scholarships could be extended for two Haitian students per year-grade at each secondary school for a period of seven years, resulting in 2,520 secondary school educations taught in English.                        

Furthermore, Jamaica could offer scholarships for teacher training education to two Haitian youths per year-grade at each teachers' college for a duration of four years, leading to the bestowal of 96 Jamaican teaching diplomas and BEds taught in English upon Haitian youth.                

Collaboration with nations like Guyana and Suriname, leveraging petro-dollars, could significantly aid in delivering this lifeline to Haiti's youth. Efforts should be made to ensure that the education provided is environmentally green and sustainable, digitally inclined, and aligned with current and future job market demands.                                                      

By implementing such measures, we can provide tangible support to Haiti's youth, fostering hope and opportunity amidst horrific adversity.

1.3

By outlining this proposal I am suggesting a comprehensive educational rapid-support plan for Haiti. One for Jamaica, and CARICOM nations to aid Haiti's recovery and brighten its future. Here is my preliminary analysis of the likely benefits and challenges of this plan:

Benefits:

1. Educational Empowerment: Providing scholarships for Haitian students in Jamaican schools can significantly enhance educational opportunities for Haitian youth, leading to improved literacy rates and skills development.

2. Cultural Exchange: Exposure to Jamaican educational institutions can foster cultural exchange and understanding between Haiti and Jamaica, promoting regional unity.

3. Capacity Building: Training Haitian teachers in Jamaican institutions can enhance the quality of education in Haiti, leading to a more skilled workforce and improved teaching standards.

4. Sustainable Development: Emphasizing green-friendly and digitally inclined education aligns with global trends towards sustainability and technological advancement, preparing Haitian youth for the future job market.

Challenges:

1. Resource Allocation: Implementing such a large-scale scholarship program requires substantial financial resources and logistical support to ensure its effectiveness.

2. Language Barrier: While English education can be beneficial, ensuring adequate language support for Haitian students who may not be proficient in English could be a challenge.

3. Sustainability: Long-term sustainability of the program needs to be considered to ensure that the benefits are enduring and contribute to Haiti's lasting development.

4. Political Support: Securing political backing from all involved nations is crucial to sustain the initiative and overcome potential obstacles.
   

Here's, the thing:  While the proposed educational support plan holds promise in uplifting Haiti's education sector and fostering regional cooperation, careful planning, resource mobilization, diverse accommodation logistics, child protection,  language considerations, and long-term commitment are essential to maximize its benefits and address potential challenges effectively. 

1.4

In Haiti's land, where shadows reign, 

A tale of sorrow, a tale of pain, 

Where innocence is lost, and hope is frail, 

Amidst the silence of a mournful tale.

Today, as the sun rises high, 

Many children's laughter fails to fly, 

For the streets echo with shot, a haunting cry, 

As dreams of learning seem to die.

In classrooms empty, dreams deferred, 

The voices of tomorrow remain unheard, 

For every child denied their right, 

A flicker dims in Haiti's night.

Yet in the midst of this despair, 

A glimmer of hope, a silent prayer, 

For education's light, a beacon strong, 

To guide Haiti's children where they belong.

Let us raise our voices, let us stand, 

To give the gift of a helping hand,

For every child, a chance to learn, 

To ignite the flame, to let it burn.

For in education's embrace, we find, 

The seeds of hope, the ties that bind, 

And though the road ahead may be steep, 

In unity, our promises we'll keep.

So let us strive, let us unite, 

To bring an end to the darkest night, 

For in educating Haiti's youth, 

Lies the key to unlock the future's truth.

DAM

Thank you for the benefit of your time.

Regards, 

Dennis A. Minott, 

a Jamaican Maroon,

Of Haitian Ancestry.