As part of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the earthquake of June 12, 2010 which left more than 200,000 dead and as many injured, the Office of the Secretary of State (Gerald Oriol Jr.) for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) shares his thoughts in a message, reminding us that this day will forever be etched in our collective memory.

"At the start of 2020, the Haitian people are preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the January 12, 2010 disaster. This date remains engraved in our collective memory. That day, the earth spoke to us too hard; it has deeply shaken our bowels. It took 35 seconds to see hundreds of thousands of bruised bodies; to take away hundreds of thousands of loved ones, to collapse part of our economy and our society.

This earthquake separated us from many of our loved ones and left us with unfathomable suffering, the many consequences of which are still before our eyes. We will remember it forever.

On this occasion, let us also remember that many people affected in their body and soul have survived. These people, most of whom today live with a disability, are survivors to whom we have a duty of solidarity. Their limitations bear witness to our shortcomings and characterize our multiple challenges to be met. Let us be at the rendezvous of history !

Ten years later, should we not ask ourselves if nature's message has been understood ? In this time let us be in reflection and especially in action. We must be able to say : never ! Never again ! Let's prepare the next day and be ready !

The Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities takes this opportunity to invite every Haitian to do their best to keep the country from experiencing a similar tragedy. This is possible through prevention, improvement of infrastructure, application of universal accessibility standards and above all through our active solidarity with one another."

HL/ HaitiLibre