Thursday, October 21, 2021

Kidnapped Charity Workers

Twelve charity workers – missionaries, really – were kidnapped along with their five kids in Haiti by a local gang. At the time of this writing no progress has been made in freeing them. Government agencies at the highest levels are working on this problem and we can only hope that it is resolved well and soon.

However, another truth has emerged from this incident. Haiti has been dogged by serious earthquakes for many years. It takes many years to recover from each of them, especially the major one in Port Au Prince. The most recent quake was on Haiti’s southwestern peninsula and devastated the communities in that region. While all this is happening, the exodus of citizens to other nations demonstrates the frustration and insecurity of Haitians. Even after living in foreign lands, they moved towards the US borders to become Americans. The flood of immigration is uncontrolled and comes at a time of South and Central American emigration.

Haiti has had a long history of incompetent political leadership. They have not done well taking care of their own people. Foreign lands step forward to help with housing, healthcare, education, and the economy. Infrastructure remains poor with frequent damage from earthquakes. The nation is challenged to survive let alone prosper.

Yet unruly gangs kidnap the very people willing and able to help at no cost to Haiti? The irony is breathtaking.

No, America is not the only player here. Nor should she be. This is a world community issue in need of proper attention. The United Nations should be front and center in delivering Haiti from its many ailments. China and Russia, where are you in this matter? Your desire to be world leaders requires you to be helping Haiti and many other nations in need, too. Where is your leadership, and yes, your volunteers and funding?

Meanwhile, Haiti needs to get its act together and provide the leadership to govern itself.

October 21, 2021

 

 

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