WASHINGTON, DC. March 24, 2010 – On the heels of a 3-day Haitian Diaspora forum sponsored by the Organization of American States in Washington, DC, March 21-23, 2010, Haitian Diaspora leaders announce the creation of the Haitian Diaspora Federation. Gathering in the OAS’ newly dedicated Toussaint L’Ouverture Room; the symbolic significance of this historic launching did not go unnoticed as representatives of the international Haitian Diaspora community debated the details of this resolution underneath a majestic oil painting of Louverture’s emancipation of Haiti.

Created in response to the disastrous earthquake of January 12, 2010, the Federation is a coalition of leaders of The Haitian League (THL), the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitian People (NOAH), the Haitian American Engineer Scientists (HAES), the Association of Physicians Abroad (AMHE), the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and other entities hailing from the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic France, and other Caribbean countries, vested in the reconstruction and sustained economic and cultural development of Haiti.

The purpose of the Federation is to gather, in unified voice, resources for and support collaboration among the multitude of Diaspora organizations, collaborate and create a framework for small groups to connect with larger NGOs and bilateral donors, and serve as repository of the talents and skills for short and long-term comprehensive aid and the reconstruction and sustainable development of Haiti.

“Development is endogenous and requires cultural competence,” said Dr. Bernier Lauredan, Chairman of the Haitian League and a co-founder of the Federation. “And the Haitian Diaspora offers both,” he added. “The Federation will strengthen our ability to advance Haitian cause in and out of Haiti, says Dr. Joseph Baptiste, NOAH president and a co-founder of the Federation. The Haitian Diaspora willingness to abandon personal agendas and stand united for what is best for Haiti is a giant step forward,” he added.

Federation membership is open to all members of solution-oriented Haitian Diaspora organizations with skills, competencies and interest in the reconstruction of Haiti. ----

If you don’t have PDF reader, then download from this link : http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/