Haiti’s current crisis reflects the impact of neocolonialism, neoliberal policies and a climate crisis manifesting in natural disasters that have repeatedly devastated the country – hurricanes, earthquakes, cholera outbreaks and other health crises that have destroyed food production, infrastructure, the economy and livelihoods. Western countries have repeatedly exploited the Haitian economy. Most of Haiti’s $20 billion of mineral deposits are exploited by mostly US and Canadian corporations. A history of French rule destroyed large swatches of the country’s fertile land. Much-needed fuel subsidies have been cut as Haiti attempts to accommodate the Paris Climate Agreements in spite of the hardship created for Haitian people who needed access to cheaper fuel after many communities were left off the power grid after hurricanes.

Conditions in Haiti warrant support for the country’s Black working class. There need to be investments in anti-corruption activities to help bring the economy on track. Civil society and activists are calling an end to the violence and corruption. This is the first necessary step towards any meaningful electoral process and to moving Haiti in the direction of progress.