[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E62-E63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 18, 2011

  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the one year Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in the island 
nation of Haiti. One year ago, the United States joined the rest of the 
world in witnessing the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that 
left hundreds of thousands dead and one million people homeless. We 
joined the rest of the world in donating billions of dollars in 
financial and material aid. The Obama Administration acted quickly and 
compassionately, making an impressive impact on the emergency phase of 
one of the largest coordinated international disaster responses that 
the world has seen. The President quickly awarded Temporary Protected 
Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals living in the U.S. to increase 
remittances back to Haiti. The. International community rallied around 
the Haitian government providing unprecedented support. The Haitian 
Diaspora instantaneously responded with the same diligence and 
fortitude necessary to assist our Nation with the distribution of aid, 
as well as keep our government accountable every step of the way. 
Lastly, the Haitian people exhibited the type of quintessential 
strength and perseverance that many of us could only imagine.

[[Page E63]]

  However, one year later we see a deteriorating Haiti. One not 
imagined in our collective plans to ``Build Back Better,'' one year 
ago. Instead, over one million displaced people still live in tent 
camps while conditions in the country continue to deteriorate. It is 
apparent that substantive reconstruction has barely begun and 
significant progress will continue to face obstacles in the near 
future. As witnessed in the recent demonstrations following the Haitian 
general elections, civil strife and unrest continue to pervade the 
populace at large. With the growing cholera epidemic, the situation in 
Haiti is especially dangerous and volatile.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of the second largest Haitian 
immigrant population in the country, I am deeply concerned about the 
conditions on the ground. Although some progress has been made, it 
appears as though conditions are deteriorating at a faster rate. As 
USAID and other international organizations scramble to resolve the 
housing/rubble crisis, security is rapidly decreasing within the IDP 
camps. Gender Based Violence (GBV) is further threatening the physical, 
mental and emotional capacity of women and girls. I commend USAID and 
the NGO community for taking steps to address this, but more is needed 
to end this phenomenon.
  It is of the utmost importance for all parties engaged in this 
humanitarian response and reconstruction efforts to significantly 
improve their outreach to women and girls. Near term and longer term 
assistance programs will only be effective if women and girls are fully 
engaged as equal partners in program assessment, design, and 
implementation. There is a vibrant network of women's organizations in 
Haiti. Their involvement is critical to the successful reconstruction 
of Haiti and to the development of a society that offers equal 
protection and opportunity to all its citizens.
  Before I conclude, I would like to also recognize Ms. Corrine 
Jocelyn, Executive Director of Diaspora Community Services for her 
remarkable work in organizing the March for Change that took place 
today in recognition of the one year anniversary of the earthquake. She 
was joined by many other Haitian organizations and prominent community 
leaders calling the Haitian Diaspora and their allies to actions. I 
fully support this endeavor and encourage the entire Haitian Diaspora 
to become more involved in advocating and educating our Nation on 
Haitian heritage and the issues that plague the island nation.
  Lastly, I would like to recognize Bells for Haiti initiative that 
took place today in Minnesota. At the time the earthquake took place, 
bells will ring from churches, schools and organizations for 35 seconds 
to commemorate the event. I commend the organizers, Konbit--MN/Haiti 
and the participants for such a beautiful tribute.
  As we continue to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti, let us 
never forget Let us never forget that as we unite with the people of 
Haiti, Haitian-Americans and the Haitian Diaspora that we are forever 
guided by the words etched indelibly on the Haitian flag, `L'Union fait 
la force' (Loon yon feh la force) . . . through unity, there is 
strength!

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