Haiti reconstruction hope

Patricia E. Green, Contributor

ARE WE looking with hope towards the future of a reconstructed Haiti, or to past experiences?

I argue for hope as I read about the reopening of the historic Port-au-Prince Iron Market (c.1891). A cultural and historic architectural landmark, the entire reconstruction project was completed in only 11 months after the earthquake. Surely this represents a symbol of hope on the Haitian landscape. Working with the skills of the people of Haiti lead by architect Daniel Elie of ISPAN (The National Institute for Historic Preservation) and his team, the founder and chairman of Digicel Group Denis O'Brien and wife Catherine funded this project in their personal capacity that was valued at US$12 million. They have committed to oversee the Iron Market for 50 years.

I recently received an email of significance out of Haiti. It announced the progress of a project titled 'Building Back Better Communities' (BBBC). Included was an announcement for a 'Housing Expo Conference', and the 'Exemplar Community Settlement' being planned as a four-day event that will take place from January 31 to February 3, 2011 to review and discuss the rebuilding of Haiti. Leading the process from the government of Haiti is Minister of Tourism Patrick Delatour, who communicated that "the last two days of the conference will be dedicated to a design exhibition where proposals will be exposed to the public. Similarly, this will also be a partnering event". What excites me about this BBBC project is that first, it represents one of the many Haitian initiatives and second, it speaks to building communities.

Appeal for Creative Ways

At the same time of the emails, in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 5-7, 2011, the government of Haiti and representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) were meeting. Convened by the CARICOM representative for Haiti and former Jamaica Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, and Haitian PM Jean-Max Bellerive, the consultations stemmed from growing concerns within Haiti and the Caribbean community about the slow pace of the Haiti recovery programme. PM Bellerive explained that even with this, significant progress had been achieved in the reconstruction efforts.

Three priority areas were identified: (1) housing and settlement development; (2) physical and environmental planning; and (3) infrastructure development and coordination. PM Bellerive argued for creative ways that will encourage donors to quickly fund and implement these projects. I, therefore, posit that the BBBC immediately fulfils the criteria of the three priority areas. Former PM Patterson expressed that, unfortunately, many of the projects that have been funded do not represent the priorities of Haiti, and called on the international community to amend this situation and redirect funds where they are most needed. The private sector and Haitian Diaspora Federation representatives expressed their involvement in the BBBC housing expo initiative, and I argue that any project that has a long-term forecast for better communities should capture favourable donor response.

Once finalised, essential projects will be presented to the Interim Haitian Recovery Commission (IHRC) and other potential funding sources. The IHRC, established between Haiti and the international community, is co-chaired by PM Bellerive and former United States President William Clinton. After 18 months, the IHRC will transition into whatever the Haitians would like it to be.

Lessons from Jamaica

Lest we forget, the same earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010 was also felt here in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. When PM Bellerive suggested during the CARICOM meeting that a method should be identified to tie rubble removal to construction-type projects, I reflected that Jamaica may serve as an ideal model for this. Jamaica's own January 14, 1907 earthquake that devastated Kingston resulted in tent settlements in Parade Gardens, now called St William Grant Park, and Race Course, now called National Heroes Park.

Afterwards, a new Jamaica building code was developed. Post-1907 buildings in Kingston utilised earthquake rubble and many buildings, including my own office in Kingston Gardens, have crushed bricks in the mortar mix, as well as salvaged building elements, including windows and roofing members. New communities were developed outside of the original Kingston urban boundaries such as 'Ivy Green'. The CARICOM meeting work group also drafted a 'model communication framework' in support of urban development in Haiti. Therefore, I ask, how may the Jamaican earthquake experience help to build better communities in the Haiti reconstruction?