By: Jude Elie
January 7, 2025
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
Today, we gather to celebrate a moment of profound significance: Haiti’s Independence Day. This day embodies the resilience and tireless pursuit of freedom that have shaped our nation’s identity since 1804. Yet, as we honor our glorious past, it is equally vital to turn our gaze toward the future—a future where hope, transformation, and progress become the cornerstones of every Haitian’s life.
The year 2024 has been marked by unprecedented trials. Many lives have been lost, families shattered, and our country has endured deep suffering. We can say, without hesitation, that it will remain etched in our memories as a particularly challenging year.
Let us take a moment to acknowledge the struggles our people face. The violence that plagues our communities can no longer be ignored. Gangs, pervasive and destructive, ravage our streets, suffocating our peace and unity. Instability, now an oppressive daily reality, has infiltrated our homes, where fear and anxiety accompany our prayers. But today, I stand before you not only to highlight these challenges but also to share a vision of hope and collective action.
In 2025, I envision a Haiti where security is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for a few. We must unite to rid our country of violence and restore peace. To achieve this, we must rigorously enforce the law while addressing the root causes of this violence: poverty, lack of education, and absence of opportunities. Together, let us invest in programs that will provide our youth with meaningful futures, far removed from the traps of crime.
Beyond security, we must rethink our economy. Haiti deserves an economy that serves its people. By supporting our entrepreneurs, valuing our natural resources, and revitalizing our agricultural sector, we can build shared prosperity. Imagine a country where every family can live with dignity from their work, where our land not only feeds us but competes on regional markets.
In 2025, it will also be crucial to rebuild a strong social contract. The gap between the government and the citizens must be bridged. Transparent, inclusive governance that respects the aspirations of the people is essential to restoring trust. We must foster dialogue, democratic education, and genuine collaboration among all sectors of society.
Allow me to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to members of the international community who continue to stand by us. Your support—be it through humanitarian assistance, economic partnerships, or aid in our reforms—is invaluable. You remind us that, even in our darkest hours, Haiti is not alone.
Today, I am not here to merely discuss ideas but to propose a mutual commitment. Together, we have the power to transform our beloved Haiti, Mother of Freedom, into a land of hope and opportunities, as she has always been in the past.
So, on this day as we celebrate our independence, let us remember that true freedom is not just the absence of chains; it is reflected in security, prosperity, and dignity for all, regardless of where they are, their skin color, gender, or religious choice. I invite you to join me in addressing these challenges and restoring our country to the brilliance it deserves and humanity to its universal dimension.
The future is in our hands. Let us rise, united, and write a new chapter in our history.
Thank you. Happy Independence Day!
Happy New Year Special for Haiti
(The author is a prospective candidate for the presidency of Haiti)
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