Percival James Patterson, former Minister of Jamaica and the Special Representative of Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), criticized last Friday in a speech at the 34th Conference of Miami on the Caribbean and Central America, the slow pace of the reconstruction effort in Haiti.

"The mountains of rubble are still there, the fate of victims, with no sign of temporary shelters acceptable, is worsening, the conditions of propagation of cholera becoming scarier every day," said Patterson, who emphasized that there had been no reduction in the trauma and misery since the earthquake of January 12.

He recalled that, given the damage caused to the state apparatus in Haiti, and the collapse of its national economy, Haiti needs more money pledged by the international community, in order to launch the actual reconstruction.

He noted that progress is simply nonexistent. Regretting that for seven months, the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC), created to coordinate the implementation of the Reconstruction Plan adopted, even if it had already approved 50 projects, the tangible results are always waited.

"We must ensure to quickly deliver these projects that will alleviate the misery of the Haitian people, that the most urgent priorities are addressed without delay. We must find an effective way to remove the debris, providing shelter, foster employment, ensure good health and develop an education system on a sounder footing [...] We must ensure that mechanisms of implementation are in place before the end of the year," urged the Special Representative.

"People have shown exemplary patience so far, and only an action decisive , dynamic and and positive can eliminate the risk of social unrest" has concluded Mr. Patterson.

S/ HaitiLibre