$4.99 US Vol. XII Issue 4 NOV/DEC

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a Day in the Life ofHaiti’s next President

Charles henriBakerwith Carmel Moise-Bley

was born in Bourdon, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 55 years ago. During his formative years, Charlito developed an affinity for nature and farming that led to a career as a Farmer and Indus-trialist. At 25, Charlito Baker became the manager of a 41- hectare farm, The Habitation Dujour in Croix des Bouquets that produced sugar cane, banana and tobacco. Under his leadership, the farm quickly expanded to an 80-hectare plan-tation and became the largest Flue-cured tobacco farm in the country. Working as the Assistant Leaf Growing manager for “La Compagnie de Tabacs Comme Il Faut”, Baker had the perfect opportunity to travel throughout the country, see it up close, and understands the needs of its inhabitants. In 1988, Mr. Baker ven-tured into the assembly industry, worked with various large corporations and managed to create more than 350 jobs.

Charlito has fought tirelessly throughout

I the last seven years to bring real change in Haiti. He has shown exceptional lead-ership and an unwavering desire to serve his country and improve the lives of its people, which have compelled him to seek the office of the Presidency, both in 2006 and for the upcoming 2010 elections.

Very early on, he developed an interest in politics, declaring his opposition to a succession of dictators and eventually emerging as a leader of the Civil Society movement during the historical GNB mobilization. Determined and com-mitted to live by his convictions, and conscious of the dire straits in which all segments of the population, particularly the most disadvantaged, find themselves. Charles Henri Baker accepts to run once again for the country’s highest office in order to restore hope for a people disil-lusioned for too long with its leaders. Mr. Baker is a well versed in many lan-guages, a well-traveled Haitian citizen who holds a degree in business adminis-tration from St. Leo University in Florida. He has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of agricul-ture, economy, commerce, job creation

was honored to meet with one of Haiti’s most distinguished public figures, Mr. Charles Henri Baker, during his recent visit to Miami. Charlito, as family, friends and supporters affectionately call him,

and politics that make him unquestion-ably qualified to assume the presidency and lead Haiti into a brighter future. An avid soccer player, who was once the center back of the Bolide Club of Port-au-Prince, he also holds a black belt in Karate. But most of all, Mr. Baker is a family man who enjoys spending time with Marie Florence Apaid, his wife of 35 years, his 4 children and seven grand-children. He has always been a voice for the poor, for justice, and real change. It is his integrity, his love for Haiti, and his desire to serve that has inspired hun-dreds of thousands to call him “THE BEST HOPE FOR HAITI”.

CNM: Mr. Baker, on behalf of Caribbean Network Magazine, I thank you for granting us this exclusive interview .CHB: You’re quite welcome.

CNM: How do you see the general situation in Haiti, and why are you running for President?CHB: It is getting worse and worse every day. It is truly ironic that a once beautiful and bountiful paradise has been reduced to a barren and desperate land. Poverty is not the exception, it is the rule. Over 75% of the population lives in poverty and struggles to merely survive. Over 40% of the 1.3 million school agechildren suffer from malnutrition. Most do not attend school. The lucky ones work for up to 12 hours a day and receive less than $2 as compensation. Only 41% have clean potable water. With infant mortality at 35%, a major effort is needed to feed, clothe, educate and vaccinate the child-ren. We need to tend to their immediate

medical needs, and give them hope for a better tomorrow. Let us not ignore the fact that the constitution mandates children to attend school from six to twelve years of age. Haiti needs a government that is at the service of the population, not the other way around.

CNM: How do you feel about the com-ing elections?CHB: I feel excited to be part of a democratic process that is instrumental in bringing change to Haiti. It is a must for every Haitian to get involved, and even though some people will not vote for me, it’s OK. It is part of the process. However, I encourage everyone to vote, regardless of his or her choice.

CNM: What is your vision for Haiti?CHB: I envision a new society determined to actively participate in the rebuilding of the country from the ground up.

Haiti’s next President, Mr. Charles Henri Baker with CNM’s Publisher, Carmel Moise.

CNM: It’s been close to a year since the earthquake and the people are still living under Tents. If elected, what would your government do to solve this problem? CHB: Today we have about 1.5 million people living in Tent cities, which mean that we would need to build approximately 300,000 homes to meet their needs. We will re-open “EPPLS” which is a low-cost housing development Bank. The construction of these homes will create thousands of jobs within the first three years. A percentage of these homes will be given to the families and the rest will be sold on a thirty to forty-year credit term at very low interest per year, with a five-year grace period depending on the circumstances. We need to create a mortgage system with long-term payments if we are to provide opportunities to the middle and more impoverished class. Affordable low-income housing is a crucial need demanding our complete attention and dedication.

CNM: CNM: What is your plan for ru-ral and agriculture development?CHB: It is a subject close to my heart as I was a Farmer myself. We will prioritize 3 sectors for immediate investment: Agro industries and agriculture, tourism, and construction. Through a combination of technical assistance and local financing from BNDAI which is an agro-industrial and industrial development bank, we will promote environmentally friendly crops, and we project the creation of approximately 3 million jobs in the agri-culture sector throughout the countryside. Haiti will become self-sufficient in food production and food prices will come down thus, improving the nutritional status of the entire population. We will promote “ORGANIC” production both for local and exports markets.

CNM: If elected, what would you like to achieve within your first 100 days in of-fice?CHB: Security will be my number one pri-ority. It is essential to restore confidence for local and foreign investment, as well economic development. The tragedy of January 12th is a painful reminder of why we need our Haitian Army back. To me, being President of Haiti is not just a matter of personal accomplishment. It is an honor and a question of duty.

of Haiti is not just a matter of personal accomplishment. It is an honor and a question of duty.

CNM: Mr. Baker, How do you see the new Haiti? There is so much to do; healthcare, education, security and in- frastructure. What about the Environ-ment? Tourism? Job opportunities? Where do you start?CHB: Our plan covers all these issues. As I have said before, this will demand time, patience, dedication and the cooperation of all sectors.

Healthcare: The January 2010 earthquake has exposed and worsened the healthcare crisis that Haiti has been facing for decades. While we must focus on preventive care, we have to modernize our healthcare system. In doing so, we will reduce the infant mortality rate, infectious diarrhea, malaria, STD and other endemic diseases in Haiti. We will implement well-equipped public hospitals in every department and communal sectors. We will establish urgent care centers along major roads and smaller cities with attached ambulance services. We will also repair and expand services in existing facilities in every city, and build a state-of-the-art hospital in Port-au-Prince. Special emphasis will be placed on rehabilitation centers as well as prosthetic services for the victims of the recent earthquake. We will bring healthcare to the people by making it accessible to all.

Education: Economic prosperity cannot flourish without education. We need to invest in our children. After all, they’re the future of our country. We will provide equal opportunities to all children. We will build one major university in every department, one trade school in every community and one High School in every communal sector. We need to train our teachers and provide continuing education in order for our education system to succeed. This will also create thousands of jobs within the next 5 years. A Transfer of knowledge program will be established where Haitians living abroad with special skills would be offered the opportunity to transfer their knowledge to their fellow Haitians through job training and internship programs. We welcome public and private partnerships with Haitian professional educators living abroad. Throughout my visits, I have observed that Haitians living abroad. Through

Throughout my visits, I have observed that Haitians living abroad are willing and eager to participate in this great journey for a brighter Haiti.

Infrastructure: Decentralization is not only a constitutional mandate but also key to Haiti’s success. It is imperative to have basic infrastructure throughout the country to meet the essential needs of our citizens, investors and tourists. Major investments will be made in order to promote maritime transportation. We will take Haiti into the 21st century with a program called the Highway of the Seas.

Environment: The constant degradation of our environment will be addressed immediately. Through agricultural development we will restore and protect over 30 percent of our lands. Our mountains will be reforested; canals and artificial lakes will be created in order to reduce further degradation. A special program to promote the industry of charcoal will be implemented to teach Haitians farmers how to grow and manage the forest in order to produce charcoal. The government will subsidize these farmers in this special program.

Tourism: The natural beauty of our country is stunning with over 1500 km of coastline. My government will welcome local and foreign investment in that sector and provide them with the security, tax incentives, basic infrastructure and marketing support required to make Haiti once again “La Perle des Antilles”. Investors in the tourism sector will be given long-term tax incentives for the creation of sustainable jobs in the Hotel and Recreation Industry. My administration will work with the private sector and international developers to build hotels and hospitality schools in order to increase Tourism and show Haiti in a positive light. Our country is rich in Culture and History. Our national treasures will be offered to the world to visit and experience. This industry has a capacity to create thousands of jobs within 5 years. Our brothers and sisters living abroad represent over 3 million potential tourists yearly, if given the opportunity to come home in a safe and prosperous environment. We must rebuild the image of Haiti and reinstate our country on the tourist map, a Haiti that welcomes and embraces all visitors.

Job opportunities: The rebuilding of Haiti demands much labor in every arena: rubble removal, road construction, rebuilding of government offices, hospitals, schools, government assisted housing, parks, airports and marine ports. We must help the rebuilding of the private sector in the earthquake torn areas. There is work to be done and we will work on the implementation of job creation. We will set up new businesses in the provinces such as farms, factories, academic and trade school to create opportunities for Haitians to return to their hometowns knowing that they will have the tools available to succeed. We need to make Haiti business friendly. An individual should be able to setup a business within three (3) business days. By removing the red tape, we will open the doors to investments at all levels. We need to provide access to small business loans. Special tax incentives will be offered for all investments outside of the metropolitan area, with greater incentives given to those businesses that are farther from the capital.

Financing for small business owners:

offer to all banks the appropriate guaranty so that they can recapitalize the business owners (not done since the earthquake), to facilitate the lending of money to small entrepreneurs, and to fund accordingly the ‘informal’ sector for a stronger economy throughout the country.

CNM: Mr. Baker, corruption in Haiti is a way of life, and it’s at all levels, at least in the recent past. What will your government do to stop or at least minimize it?CHB: Restoring the authority of the state is imperative for social and economic stability. Under my leadership, integrity and respect will be brought to the office of the Presidency. There will be no tolerance for corruption. I will elevate this office to the highest standard and bring back honor and dignity. Accountability is Key to restoring trust with all our International partners and Investors. We will uphold the Rule of Law.

CNM: Is the first Black Republic on the verge of reinventing itself?CHB: Yes! It’s a dream that will hopefully become a reality sooner rather than later. I am a constant representation of “not giving

up and not giving in.” I remain in the trenches because I believe in a better tomorrow for the Haitian people. Haiti is our country and that’s where we want to be so we need to fix it.

CNM: What difficulties have you encountered during this campaign?CHB: You name it! But my party RESPE and I are strong. We stand firm against intimidation, death threats, and much more.

CNM: What do you consider your greatest political achievement thus far?CHB: Being able to gather 120,000 signatures as an independent candidate in the 2006 elections, which is 2% more than required.

CNM: What is your greatest strength? And your greatest weakness?CHB: I am a very strong man with an iron will, and I have an ability to solve problem no matter how challenging they may be. My weakness: well, I tend to be a workaholic and like perfection but we all know that no one is perfect.

CNM: Besides work, what else do you enjoy? What are your hobbies?CHB: I like to read, travel, but football is my passion. I was an avid soccer player.

CNM: If you can change one thing about yourself, what would it be?CHB: I would try to be more tolerant.

CNM: If you were granted three wishes for the future, what would they be?CHB: First, good health - secondly, I wish for continued success with my career, and lastly, I would like to see Haiti grow as a safe and secure society in which to raise a family and provide the opportunities to allow all Haitians the freedom and ability to grow in their chosen fields.

CNM: Mr. Baker, during the Town Meeting in Little Haiti, you said that you don’t like using the term “Diaspora”. What do you want to say to the Haitians living abroad? CHB: Help is coming! We intend to make Haitians living abroad an integral part of the reconstruction of Haiti. Multiple nationalities will be a reality. E-Governance will facilitate access to

government services, regardless of the citi-zens’ geographic location, income or social status. We sincerely hope that the Haitians living abroad will trust our government by investing its time, knowledge and financial resources to help us make Haiti a better place to live, work and retire. We will also work with the legislative branch to give all Haitians returning home tax-free status for the first ten (10) years. This is in an effort to bring back the brainpower that we have around the world. According to the latest study, 80% of our brain trust is outside of Haiti. We need all our brothers and sisters to rebuild our country: OUR HAITI CHERIE. We will implement a program called: “POTE KOLE” where Haitians from abroad will be given the opportunity to help assist in the rebuilding of Haiti. A requirement will be placed through the CIRH that a percentage of Haitians living abroad be given the job opportunity based on qualifications and skills into the reconstruction contracts. “Integration” is essential for renewing our social fabric.

CNM: What is your present state of mind?CHB: Focus, determine, and very eager to begin the work of the people of Haiti.CNM: Are you ready for a new political leadership in Haiti?CHB: Yes, I am, and that is why I am running. I believe that I am the man to bring the needed changes and I believe that I am the man to rally everyone to work together towards the common goal.

CNM: Mr. Baker, you have the last word.CHB: I thank you for the opportunity to let my Haitians brothers and sisters know the way I truly feel about our country. I also want them to know that Haiti has serious problems and needs serious people to help resolve them. I have the qualification, the drive and the dedication to turn the tides of stagnation and indifference. Haiti deserves better. Let us look beyond our differences to make the difference. I am also thankful for this interview, which allows me to share with all Haitians around the world my views for a better Haiti.

CNM: Thank you Mr. Baker, Caribbean Network Magazine wishes you all the best.CHB: Thank you. God bless Haiti and God bless the people of Haiti.

A R O U N D

HAITIwith

Mr. Charles Henri Baker40

40

Baker is coming darling to change Haiti, we have hope. A little morepatience. He supports National Production, # 40 is our number.

Charlito Baker ap vini cheri pou chanje Ayiti, nou gen espwa. Pran yon ti pasyans. Li sipòte Pwodiksyon Nasyonal, #40 se nimewo nou.

A R O U N D

MIAMI & NYwith

Mr. Charles Henri BakerPhotos by: Vando Auguste

CNM CaribbeaN Network MagaziNe 31

You’ve been away too long. Tell your friends and Family to vote CharlitoBaker #40, so I can see you again. He believes in Job creation.

You can trust him.

Ou deyò twò lontan. Mande zanmi w ak fanmi w vote Charlito Baker #40, pou m ka wè w ankò. Li konn kreye travay.

Nou met fel konfyans.

On October 15, 2010 a huge crowd watch Charlito Baker walk onto the stage to kickoff his campaign. “First of all, let me thank all of you for coming and all that you do to support me. We’ve got a few days to change the direction of our country and together, we will”. Baker told the adoring crowd. He also reminded the people of the crucial issues facing Haiti, but not to worry, Help is coming! The kickoff was very impressive, and as one said, “this is not a carnival where people come to support their stars, these are real Baker’s supporters, who came out to support their candidate. Real people who believes in what he stands for. A man with intel ligence and integrity not to mention class, dignity and respect. A man who wants to move Haiti out of that hole, he has been a formidable candidate, tough and determined. That’s why we’re with him all the way, to save our “Haiti cherie” period.

Charlito Baker’s impressive Campaign kiCkoff in Croix

des Bouquets

We are the future of our country and Charlito Baker is our future. Let’s get together as one to rebuild our “Haiti Cherie”.

Call home tell your friends and family to vote Charlie #40. Remember, Haiti:First

Nou se fiti peyi nou e Charlito Baker se fiti nou. Annou tout fè youn pou rebati “Ayiti Cheri”. Rele lakay pou di zanmi w ak fanmi w

vote#40. Sonje, Ayiti: Avan.

Charlito will protect and promote the environment. Give Haiti a chance to welcome and embrace all visitors by voting #40. God bless Haiti, God bless Charles Henri-Baker.

Charlito pral proteje e pwomote anviwonman an. Vote #40, poun ka BayAyiti yon chans pou l akeyi tout vizitèl yo. Viv Ayiti, Viv Charles Henri-Baker.

Please call Home and let the people know that Baker #40 is the real deal. Let’s take our chance with him so we all can come home to

live, work, and retire. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE ARE TIRED.

Tanpri rele Lakay ou epi fè moun yo konnen ke Baker #40 se meyèchwa a. Nap pran chans nou ak li pou nou tout ka tounen lakay pou-nvin viv, travay, epi pran retrèt. ABRARAM DI SÈTASE, NOU BOUKE.