Paul Collier: Haiti From Natural Catastrophe to Economic Security
via kiskeacity
A Report for the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Paul Collier
Department of Economics
Oxford University
December 27th, 2008
N.B. We publish in its entirety the findings and recommendations of Professor Paul Collier, following a brief visit to Haiti in December 2008 to assess prospects for economic development. The author of “The Bottom Billion,” visited Haiti at the request of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. For over a year, President René Préval had repeatedly said that Haiti needed plows, tractors and civil engineers, not more guns, armored vehicles and troops. Who better than a renowned economist — a former World Bank official — who has quantified relations between democracy and military might amongst other things to spell out the challenge of reaping the benefits of peacekeeping? “If the international community cannot succeed in Haiti,” says Collier, “then it is hard to see it succeeding elsewhere.” Will Collier’s plan be the winning plan for a 21st century Haiti? You be the judge. And let us know what you think of the proposals. Perhaps they will be taken into consideration at the international donors meeting on Haiti set for April 13 and 14 in Washington, DC. — JM