SAMWU on the Haiti crisis and the circumstances that preceded the earthquake
SAMWU PRESS STATEMENT.
29th January 2010.
SAMWU expresses its deepest sympathy for those people who have lost loved ones in the terrible earthquake that hit Haiti last week. We also express our concern for the very large numbers of people, currently estimated at over 150,000 who have sustained serious physical and mental injuries that will leave them disabled and traumatised for many years to come.
At times like this it is often regarded as diplomatic to simply focus on the relief effort, and to reserve critical political comment to another time, but we believe that they cannot be separated. While we applaud all those countries, organisations and individuals who have rallied to provide immediate relief to the Haitian people, we believe that we are doing the Haitian people a disservice if we do not comment on the circumstances that preceded the earthquake, and what is being proposed for the future of the country.
Despite the place that Haiti occupies in the history of human liberation, being the site of the historic national slave revolt in the 18th Century , the people of Haiti have endured countless colonial occupations, barbaric foreign and national government, and waves of chronic impoverishment and instability. It is a tribute to the resilience of the Haitian people that they have been able to endure such a pattern of oppression, and have continued to maintain a dignified stance. Recent media reports portraying the Haitian people as nothing more than drug soaked, voodoo inspired looters is a disgraceful characterisation laden with racist and sexist assumptions. The vast majority of the Haitian people have attempted to live their lives in a dignified manner, and to provide for their families and loved ones. Visitors to Haiti have been struck by the warmth of the welcome they receive, the intellectual capacity of local people, and the depth of their democratic ideals. This is a vision of the Haitian people that rarely surfaces in the sensationalist press of the world.
What cannot be denied is that for decades, development in Haiti has been systematically undermined by corrupt mis-leadership, supported by imperialist interests, employing unparalleled levels of barbarism and corruption. When so-called democratic states, and especially the United States, were trumpeting the need for democratic governance, they callously supported the various despotic regimes that dominated political life. They ignored the pleas of democrats and allowed them to be persecuted and murdered. As a result, infrastructure in overcrowded and repressed poor communities remained fragile. Even the most basic amenities were denied the majority of the population. It is no surprise then that these areas should be worst hit when the earthquake occurred. In contrast to more wealthy areas were roads and open space enabled emergency vehicles access. As if this is not bad enough, there has been a very distasteful competition between many government aid agencies to boast what they have been able to do for the Haitian people.
Clearly, there are no easy answers on what the future might hold for the Haitian people, but a number of critical points could perhaps help.
First, it should be recognised that the economic and political influence of imperialist forces should be rejected. They have helped entrench impoverishment, and they cannot be trusted to build a democratic Haiti.
Second, that whatever reconstruction model is adopted, it must be lead and controlled by the people of Haiti. We are certain that if given the opportunity, the historic democratic will of the Haitian people will arise from the rubble, and assert itself. Progressive forces everywhere in the world should therefore be ready to lend long-term support to emerging democratic structures wherever they emerge, in Unions, Communities, Faith Based Organisations and NGO’s. Haiti needs democratic organisation more than it does charismatic leadership, including from those who have sought refuge outside of the country.
Third, we must demand that those who helped create impoverishment in Haiti cancel all outstanding debts, and make unconditional resources available for reconstruction without condition. The IMF, the World Bank and their imperialist backers must be called to give compensation for their actions.
We know that in a few weeks time, Haiti will inevitably drop from the headlines, and sadly from popular consciousness. We call upon all progressive forces to make contact with their Haitian counterparts, popularise their struggles for reconstruction, make and strengthen the linkages, and make practical our pledge of international solidarity.
Finally, as the biggest trade union in the local government sector we urge all our members to dig deep and contribute generously to the victims of this devastating crisis that affected so many.
Forward to a democratic, reconstructed Haiti Forward!
For further comment contact Walter Theledi SAMWU Deputy General Secretary on 011-331 0333/ 0825586580. Or the SAMWU International Officer; Stephen Faulkner on 011-3310333 or 0828175455.
Tahir Sema.
South African Municipal Workers' Union of COSATU.
National Media and Publicity officer.
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Office: 011-331 0333.
Cell: 0829403403.
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Worker's News April 2008 PART 1 (514)
