THE DUTY OF ALL HAITIANS

As we are about to celebrate the birth of the Haitian Flag, I wanted to say something positive and fitting for the occasion. I wanted just for this occasion, to forget about all of our misdeeds and transgressions, misfortunes and malaise, set forth on a new journey, envision a new Haiti, find myself a new role in it. Thus, a new pledge of allegiance, a new man within oneself is what is required for the success of this immense undertaking.
Brothers and sisters it is our duty to enlighten our politicians, to exhort them and guide them as they take on the biggest project since our Independence, not only to rebuild Haiti but, to build a country that can stand on its own two feet. They are not geniuses or miracle workers. They will make mistake for it is of our domain but, we shall not fail to make Haiti the jewel that it once were. For too long we have been bystanders in own country. We are very good at letting others take the lead and decide for us what our future ought to be. But, the blame spared none of us for the failure of the past; let us make certain that things get done our way this time. It will not happen without our help, without getting our hands dirty. We are at the least bit the care-taker of our generous friends' money. Let's do our part in keeping tag on the people in charge. We all know their weaknesses and the temptations are many. We need not only a nation of watch-dogs but, a vigilant people whose guiding principle is to ensure that a sustainable country is built.
I can only think of the words of Albert Camus after World War I; at a time in history when the prospect for a peaceful and progressive Europe was so dimmed: "Politics, and the fate of mankind [Haiti], are shaped by men [Haitians] without ideals and without greatness. But our task now is to create a new man [Haitian] within ourselves. We must make our men [Haitians] of action into men [Haitians] of ideals, and our poets into captains of industry. We must learn to live out of our dreams—and to transform them into action. Previously, men [Haitians] gave up or lost their way. We must neither lose our way nor give up."
Happy Flag Day to you all!

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