Overview
The second oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere
(after the United States), Haiti’s troubled political
past has contributed to its poverty, which represents
its greatest challenge.
Not only is Haiti considered one of the poorest countries
in the Western Hemisphere, but it is one of the least
developed. The statistics speak for themselves:
- Annual per capita income is less than $400.
- The average life expectancy is 53.
- Eighty out of 1,000 Haitian children never see
their first birthday.
- Half of the population cannot read.
- An estimated 163,000 children are AIDS orphans.
Following the resignation and departure of President
Jean Bertrand Aristide on February 29, 2004, Interim
President Alexander Boniface named Gerard Latortue as
Prime Minister. The Interim Government of Haiti faces
huge challenges in restoring governmental capacity and
asserting control in areas outside of Port-au-Prince.
Paramount issues for Haiti are free and fair elections
and the reestablishment of security to restore democracy
and the rule of law. The Interim Government is currently
organizing a basic electoral apparatus and preparing
political parties, both of which are vital for broad
participation in an upcoming election. In April 2004,
the United Nations authorized deployment of a UN peacekeeping
force, which began its commission on June 1.
USAID Program: USAID had planned to
fund $52 million in programs this year, but recently
increased Haiti’s total assistance package to
an estimated $128 million. (Additional child services
and health funds are pending.) The funds are planned
to create jobs, assist with emergency electricity and
sanitation needs, support government ministries including
the creation of an anti-corruption unit and rehabilitation
of port facilities, strengthen the judiciary, improve
public health, and provide humanitarian and disaster
assistance. The U.S. is working with other international
donors and international financial institutions to assess
the full range of needs and pledge contributions for
the reconstruction of Haiti.
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