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The Haitian government is somehow always taken aback by nature

After the many tragedies of the last year, the Haitian people were once again brought to our knees in tears during the end of the year festivities. As the world welcomed a new year, at least 75 Haïtian souls were taken from us in the night, from December 13 to December 14.

In Cap-Haitian, a fire resulted following an accident involving a truck transporting fuel in the country’s second major city. Amongst the survivors were more than 60 people, all laid in hospitals awaiting treatment. At the Justinien Hospital in Cap-Haïtien, doctors did their best, with the little means available, to tend to the severely wounded. Dr. Calhil Turenne shared with us that there were victims whose burns cover more than 60% of their bodies.

This tragedy occurred at midnight while most people were asleep in their homes. According to one of the town’s officials, Patrick Almonor, more than 40 houses burned down in the area called Nan Bannann, situated at the entrance of the city. The town had not known hardship like this in more than 80 years.

Once more, Haiti is being mentioned in international news for another calamity following the assassination of the president, the earthquake that happened in the South of the country, the mass arrival of Haitian migrants at American borders, and the overall insecurity growing rampant in the streets. In the face of so many tragedies, one cannot help but notice the absence of a Government, whose first duty is to protect its citizens.

A memorial service was initially announced for December 19th, 2021, but local authorities postponed it due to lack of resources. But seven days after the tragedy, on December 21st, 10 million gourdes were disbursed for the occasion, and a ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Cap Haitian in the presence of the mayors, the government commissioner, and the minister of interior. Although the authorities had announced that there would be 25 coffins present, only four coffins were in the space. After the ceremony, many citizens were outraged, stating that the state memorialized these victims with little dignity. This even resulted in a protest in front of the offices of the Northern Delegation. Once again, the population finds itself let down by its leaders with no competence before, after, or during a crisis. 

Truly, the absentee Haïtian government is primarily responsible for this tragedy that ended the lives of so many Haïtians. What happened is a direct result of years and years of poor governance.

The truck driver reported that many attempted to help themselves to the gasoline leaking from the truck following the accident. He tried to warn them to stay away from the vehicle, as there was a risk of it exploding, but unfortunately, due to a crippling lack of education, they did not heed this warning.

Education has not been a priority for the Haïtian government in a long time, which contributes to the population’s vulnerability. There’s a reason that philosopher Gaston Blanchard once said, “they will give you nothing. All must be built from the ground up.”

On the other hand, the reason people even thought of approaching that dangerous leaking gas truck is that for the last 3 years, after the mass protests of July 6 and July 7, 2018, fuel has become a rare commodity in the country. The price of fuel has been excessively raised, to the point where all sectors have been affected by it, driving up the cost of living. The fuel issue in the North evolved into what it is today after gang leaders took control of the roads leading to the capital, which in return disrupted distribution.

Haïti Libre, a periodical, reported that in 2021, more than 10 fuel trucks were intercepted by gang leaders and their releases were negotiated in exchange for large ransoms. In spite of all of this, the Haïtian government has yet to form a response to resolve the rampant insecurity.

Furthermore, decentralization has never been an urgency in political programs to help rural towns gain their autonomy. Following what occurred in Cap Haitian, many of the wounded had to be transferred to Port-au-Prince because only Doctors Without Borders (whose headquarters are located in Port-au-Prince) has the capacity to treat the severely burned. 

A government is a representation of its citizens. One is not detached from the other. But a conscious government, one that believes in sustainable development and chooses to cut ties with unacceptable practices could make a significant difference and transform the lives of its citizens.

Haiti is a country ruled by a government whose first concern has never been to predict or prevent fatalities. Haiti is continuously a victim of natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. The Haitian government is somehow always taken aback by nature, while these disasters continue to happen and nothing is done to prevent them from turning into another tragedy.

In the end, the fire that killed many Haïtians in Cap Haïtien should teach us a lesson and show the urgency of making better choices for ourselves and our descendants. We need new and improved governance that will bring forth better responses to prevent human casualties. We must tell a different tale in the face of humanity and take back the torch of hope we had carried after 1804 for all Black people of the world.