Haiti-Security: Open Letter to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Métellus.

By Jean Venel Casséus Today, the fight against insecurity in Haiti can no longer be reduced to a classic military strategy. Territories controlled by armed groups, the shortcomings of coherent spatial planning, and institutional weakness demand a transversal, innovative, and sustainable approach. In this context, the *orange economy*, still too little known and underexploited, must be considered a strategic lever in the fight against social and security instability. The orange economy, as you know better than I, refers to all activities related to culture, creativity, the image, sound, craft, design, digital media, and technological innovation industries. It mobilizes talent, creates employment, promotes local identities, and constitutes an important source of income, especially for young people. In a country like Haiti, where over 60% of the population is under 30 and job opportunities are very scarce, investing in the orange economy means offering a credible alternative to the allure of armed gangs. Indeed, many young people find themselves without prospects and end up succumbing to the influence of criminal groups, not out of ideological adherence, but out of economic necessity. However, digital technologies and content creation platforms today offer massive inclusion opportunities: audiovisual production, podcasts, online newspapers, photography, music, web radio, mobile applications, graphic design, video games, etc. These are all professions accessible with few resources, provided that an ecosystem supporting cultural and creative entrepreneurship is structured. The fight against insecurity also requires a symbolic and narrative reconquest of public space. Digital media and creative industries make it possible to restore cultural authority, disseminate positive narratives, promote alternative success models, and counteract the propaganda of violent groups. They therefore constitute powerful tools for social pacification, by participating in the construction of a collective imagination that values peace, citizenship, and dignity. You will agree with me, Mr. Minister, that to make the orange economy a pillar of sustainable security, a coherent public policy is needed. This involves: (1) integrating arts and creative technologies into school and university curricula; (2) financing creative hubs in vulnerable neighborhoods; (3) valuing local intangible and artisanal heritage; (4) access to broadband for all; (5) an incentive tax framework for cultural and digital enterprises; and (6) massive awareness campaigns about the potential of the orange economy. The Haitian state must understand that, in this asymmetric war against insecurity, innovation is a weapon. The orange economy, with its power of social, economic, and symbolic transformation, deserves to be considered not as a cultural luxury, but as a central instrument in building a more stable future. Ignoring this dimension would mean missing out on a solution deeply rooted in the realities and aspirations of the Haitian people. I humbly suggest, Mr. Minister, *to consider establishing a network of public incubators* dedicated to digital creation and innovation, in order to offer young people a space for training, experimentation, and production. Such a network would not only divert them from passive consumption of platforms like TikTok or Instagram but also encourage them to think, design, and create in these environments. It is a concrete way to transform users into actors, to reveal talents, and to build a culture of innovation that will ultimately contribute to the country's social stability and security.