Haiti wants to change its image

If the government has failed to take advantage of the opportunities that would arise from the earthquake of January 12 to place Haiti at the center of global debates, the private sector, meanwhile, will not miss it. Despite the fact that the headlines are no longer on the country, it will heal the wounds by acting on the mentality and sending another image of the country.



Haiti: "Your brand exists; the rest is a matter of managing your reputation. Noel Toolan delights to say and repeat: Haiti is rich in opportunities. The images to be projected abroad are far from exhaustible. Just store them in a register and promotion policies conscious, says expert in international marketing. Its cultural heritage, its art, its historical prowess, icons on the political spectrum, energy and perseverance of its people in adversity, everything can be arranged as an array of products to offer and to redo the country’s image. In the Karibe hotel, the wind blew a bright hope on Haiti. The private sector has submitted its draft Haiti ''Brand'' which is to develop a brand image for the nation and thus give Haiti a communications plan for Haiti to presents to the world and to Haitians themselves.

The conception of Haiti abroad and inside the country is not a calamity. We can get out of the yoke of humanitarian considered dangerous to the economy and the future and which dominates the debate. Issues of social scale and colors are also shut to make way for more constructive issues, advises Mr. Toolan speaking in the presence of members of the business community, the Minister of Tourism Lesly Delatour, and Myrlande Manigat the sole representative of any political parties in the conference.

The message seems to be over. But it remains to show that Haitians can keep track of this wonderful project that must include all sectors of national life. Already, the concern arises. Ms. Manigat is a little curious with the absence of some shareholders for the project 'Brand Haiti' such as universities, unions, and the political sector. The head of the Platform of Haitian patriots encourages research phase before the implementation of the project.

Evil global governance


Regarding the governance of the international community has used to criticize Haiti, we can do without. For, Mr. Toolan, each state has its share of problems at this level. The cap should be placed on the image to be projected to the outside and inside the country.

The example of Haiti-Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) after the earthquake was a major highlight for the international marketing expert explains why this structure has refused to hold a meeting on Haiti in the same country as is the trend. And it is from this meeting that the foreign participants were able to discover that the reality is quite different from what was presented to the outside world.

If Noel Toolan recommends that the Haitian community promoting social cohesion and unity among the parties, patriotism and citizenship as values to be promoted within the country, he does not forget to encourage increased export competitiveness and dynamism among Haitians in a perspective of progress against the outside.

An historic blunder

“Investment, tourism, culture change, infrastructure, identity, structural support, media ... must rush through the list of topics to be discussed within the framework of this project that can draw its essence of faith and consistency of Haitians” Reginald Boulos, representing the private business sector in the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (HRIC).

Mr. Toolan did not want to repeat that Haiti's historical flop of June 25 when its president missed an opportunity to capitalize on its presence with percussive elements at the G8 summit. "You have been invited and have missed the opportunity offered so we will no longer invite you. Your time has passed" he says.

The initiator of the practice ''Brand'' South Africa offers the country of Nelson Mandela as an outstanding model for Haiti. Even when social struggles between the two countries are alike, there is evidence significant enough to learn from South Africa in the case of Haiti.

It highlights two dates as essential to begin the campaign for Haiti; February 7, on the inauguration of the newly elected president, and January 12, 2011, the first anniversary of the earthquake that severely weakened the economy.


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