Haitians for Civics and Peace Corp: A New Beneficial Perspective for the Diaspora

MASSACHUSETTS. — A new Haitian diaspora association has been established under the initiative of psychiatrist Harrison Ernest. Haitians for Civics and Peace Corp (HCP) was born from an overwhelming observation regarding the difficult daily lives of Haitians residing in the United States. Arriving in North America in November 2023, Dr. Harrison Ernest divided his time between family reunions, continuing education, and a deep nostalgia for his homeland, which is suffering cruelly. This feeling of loss prompted him to investigate the organization of his compatriots to better understand their lack of initiative for the benefit of Haiti. An Overwhelming Observation Rooted in Decades of Experience According to Dr. Harrison Ernest's report, the investigation lasted approximately a year and a half and revealed a troubling reality: Haitians in the diaspora lead an egocentric life, marked by an "every man for himself" mentality. Despite the existence of numerous non-profit and apolitical organizations created by Haitians, the diaspora remains divided. These associations have not truly succeeded in connecting community members or having a significant impact on the lives of those who remained in Haiti, as indicated by the investigation report. From the Need for Integration to a Call to Action Although host countries offer many opportunities, the Haitian diaspora remains fragmented due to cultural differences and a disparate mentality, according to Dr. Ernest's analyses in his three ?????-page report. The investigation raised legitimate questions about the disconnection of Haitians after their migration, the lack of solidarity towards newcomers, particularly those benefiting from the Biden program, and the usefulness and functioning of the Haitian diaspora. Facing the Acute Ingrained Syndrome, HCP Emerges The investigation also described behaviors unfavorable to progress within the Haitian diaspora. « Haitians abroad retain the same shortcomings that hindered their lives in Haiti, thus projecting a negative image, » writes Ernest, thereby justifying the creation of Haitians for Civics and Peace Corp. Registered with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, HCP promotes Haitian culture, civic education, human rights, and peace, while working for a supportive Haitian community. The principal founder presents this organization as an alternative to the divisions that prevent Haitians from establishing a significant place abroad, similar to Jewish or Chinese communities. Since his unexpected departure, the name of psychiatrist Harrison Ernest, a former evening court intervener, has ceased to resonate in Haiti, even in the context of the Jovenel Moïse case where his name had been mentioned. His initiative is not limited to offering a new association to the Haitian diaspora; it is also an invitation to reconnect with the country's roots, in order to restore its place on the world map. Jean Mapou