The congress is meant to be a weekend of authoritative reports, appeals for action, bold initiatives and spirited discussion to identify and mobilize the potential of more than two million Haitians in America. The aim is to improve living conditions and opportunities, both here and in Haiti, through coordinated programs that are a match for the problems at hand. We intend to “go beyond band-aids” so that painful problems, once solved, will stay solved – the essence of sustainable development.

In the past month, organizations including The Haitian League have been gathering and sending relief supplies and organizing emergency missions to towns and villages they have long supported. This is, indeed, the right time for a congress to address the need for remedies -- disaster preparedness, reforesting mountainsides, land planning, restoring damaged communities, managing water, building more lakes, supplying resources for homes, infrastructure, food production and private investment. A momentum has gathered that needs to be continued with more emphasis to Haiti’s crisis. Now a better part of the congress will be devoted to Haiti’s plight. Both here and in Haiti, it is a time for change, not business as usual. We welcome your comments and suggestions and thank you in advance for your participation and generosity.

Thank you,

Bernier Lauredan, Sr., M.D.
President, The Haitian League

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