Haiti's Complex History

We are often asked why Haiti is in such trouble, so desperately poor, and not like the Dominican Republic. Below are some insights into why Haiti has struggled so much.
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From 1791 to 1804, the enslaved people in Haiti fought and gained their freedom. It is the only successful slave revolution in history, but the cost was great.

• Defeated, the French intentionally destroyed the economy and infrastructure and killed or took captive critical leaders.
• During Haiti's crucial period of post-war recovery and development, France surrounded the island with gunboats and threatened to return. To keep their independence, the young nation was required to pay France 150 million francs or suffer the consequences.
• It took Haiti 122 years to pay the debt. The cost in today's US dollars is estimated at $560 million or close to $115 billion when factoring in the investments that could have been made in Haiti.
• France used their influence and leverage to keep other nations from recognizing Haiti or doing business with them. Even Thomas Jefferson, fearing further slave revolts, pursued international isolation of Haiti.
• Once the wealthiest colony in the Americas, Haiti is now the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere due to foreign interventions, debt, political instability, and devastating natural disasters.
• The US occupied Haiti for 19 years in the early 20th century and continued to control Haiti's public finances until 1947. 40% of Haiti's national income was used to repay its debt to the US and France.
• The earthquake in 2010 was one of the worst natural disasters in history. Approximately 300,000 lost their lives, and all government buildings and most records were destroyed.
• The nation's military, disbanded under Haitian President Aristide in 1995, left Haiti with an inability to defend itself. The Haitian Police are underarmed and undertrained, requiring Haiti to rely on foreign forces for protection.
• Most of the "billions" of dollars sent to Haiti have been used to pay for on-the-ground troops from the United Nations, the United States, and high-level NGO leadership. Most funds never reach Haitians.

​None of this has happened to the Dominican Republic or any other nation.

Our brothers and sisters are suffering greatly. Haiti has experienced great harm, and it is only through the healing power of Jesus that this land will be saved. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.

​Christoper Columbus called Haiti the "Pearl of the Caribbean"

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:45