The phrase ‘developing country’ is a perplexing one. What is the matrix being used to measure the development process? In other words, how does one know when a country is finished ‘developing’? I pose these questions because one would think that a country like Haiti would be through developing by now since its glorious founding over 200 years ago.

I can’t help but chuckle when I hear people unfamiliar with the situation ask, “When are they [Haitians] just going to get it together?” The answer is quite simple actually. Haiti will get it together when the international community is willing to redefine how it engages with this nation. It is not at all uplifting to tell people what will take place in their communities – after decisions have already been made. Perhaps listening to what the community envisions for themselves and then working with them to bring that vision to fruition is a more worthwhile approach. When people are empowered to engage in the (re)development process, then maybe Haiti will be able to get it together and move beyond its developing phase.

To help Haiti, it is essential to view Haitian communities as equal partners in the process. Investments in Haiti’s future have to include an active willingness to work with Haitians in overcoming their present circumstances. Promoting Haiti’s social infrastructure is key to building the physical and economic infrastructure of the country. Just think – if people aren’t at the center of it all, who are we truly ‘developing’ for?