Dear compatriots from the diaspora,

Ago exactly one year, January 12, 2010, our country was struck by a terrible earthquake that destroyed much of Port-au-Prince, the capital, but also Leogane, Jacmel and Petit Goave.

This earthquake, the most deadly caused the death of 300,000 people, handicapped thousands and left homeless nearly 1.5 million of our citizens.

On the occasion of this sad anniversary, we must salute the determination of our compatriots from the diaspora who were among the first to act of solidarity by going, in the aftermath of the disaster and while passing through the Dominican Republic, at the bedside of their country of origin. We must also acknowledge the constant flow of aid, remittances, medicines, food etc ..., from the diaspora. The nation will be eternally grateful to you.

Dear compatriots, Haiti, our common homeland, was hit hard in its very foundations: institutions virtually destroyed and huge losses in human resources. It can not not get up without an amplification of your commitment to the medium and long terms in all areas of national life.

Today, January 12, the day of remembrance and meditation, on behalf of MHAVE, the Government of the Republic and on my behalf, I salute the memory of our many dead and invites you to always keep alive the flame of the battle and the indispensable accompaniment of the Diaspora for a new Haiti.

Haiti needs you. You need Haiti. May God bless our homeland.

Edwin Paraison,

Ministre

12 janvier 2011

HL/ HaitiLibre