Rebuilding Haiti: A Step Backward

Haiti is in a fragile political, social, and economic state. Modest gains that had been made in political stability were undermined by the overthrow of the prime minister after a year in office, for reasons that seem insufficient. Luckily bloodshed did not ensue after the overthrow, however the impact of this move could affect donor aid to the much in-need people of Haiti. This article gives a snapshot of life in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and the importance of aid for economic growth there. Weak institutions, high levels of corruption, and geographic location among many other factors, have historically held Haiti back from growth and even created negative growth in recent decades. A significant change in institutions and stability will need to occur before significant growth and poverty alleviation will become apparent in Haiti, and setbacks such as the recent overthrow of a political figures are hopefully on the decline.