by Gary Betts

Created on: January 19, 2010   Last Updated: July 18, 2011

What the world is doing in Haiti at this moment is nothing more than a bandade solution. Haiti needs direct action now in order to make it a self-sufficient country. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere that has been hit by one disaster after another.

From hurricanes to tropical storms that cause death and damage and flooding. And now a powerful earthquake. It seems that Haiti cannot catch a break. That's why drastic action must be taken now.

A single country must take in Haiti as a territory to give it the stability that it has been lacking. We must choose the right country in order for the Haitians to accept that move. The only ones that come to mind are the United States and Canada. Both countries have long relationships with Haiti, including millions of dollars in aid over the years.

Plus, these countries have supplied professions, such as police officers, to train the Haitians. But let's say for now that the United States takes in Haiti as a territory. The U.S. military had occupied this nation in the past from 1915 to 1934.  

Haiti would fall under the laws of the United States much like Perto Rico. Security would be improved to American standards. Sufficient numbers of police officers would be trained to the point that they could control any situation that arises.

New York City would be a good place to get that training. NYC has about 8 million people in a very small area, similar to Haiti's 9 million people in a small country.

All of Haiti's buildings and bridges would have to be reconstructed according to American standards. Plus sewers, electrical lines, and communications would have to be constructed from scratch and expanded.

The best place to get building codes for Haiti would be Los Angeles which has one of the best earthquake-resistant building codes in the world.

Considering the fact that Haiti has been hit by hurricanes and tropical storms on an annual basis, flood-control is a must. These storms have caused severe flooding which has taken its toll on the island nation for years.

Next, Haiti's agriculture must be restored. This country at one time grew crops from corn to sugar cane. It grew enough to not only feed its people, but to export what was left. Haitian farmers must be retrained in the agricultural business in order that this country can once again feed itself.

Reforestation is an essential element that would end mud slides and some flooding, but would also draw tourists to the nation. Witness the booming tourist trades in the Dominican Republic and Cuba (for non Americans).

If Haiti became a self-sufficient and orderly place, it could become a tourist draw that could bring billions of dollars into the country.

Haiti must also be given preferential trade status on the world stage so that it could sell its products abroad and bring in much-needed money. Trade barriers must be dropped.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Haiti is in debt to other nations to the tune of $1.8 billion (U.S.). This debt must be forgiven so that the slate can be wiped clean to give Haiti a fresh start.

Speaking of money, this is a job that the United States cannot do alone financially. Other nations must contribute to this huge undertaking.

Finally, Haiti's elections must be free and independent from corruption. That's why all elections in Haiti must be monitored by the U.S. government to prevent the corrupted politics in Haiti's past from rearing its ugly head.     

Once Haiti has become an orderly and self-sufficient country, it could become a proud independent nation once more.

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