Urgent Plea for Solidarity: Standing with Haiti in Times of Crisis

Dear Editor, 

Today May 18th, the Department of Language and Cultural Studies in the Faculty of Education  and Humanities at the University of Guyana will be observing Haiti Flag and Universities Day. 

This observation is being organized in collaboration with Sosyete Kiltirèl Ayisyen (SOKA) – the  Guyana Group, an organization formed in 2017 by Guyanese and Haitians. The aim of SOKA is  to increase public education about Haiti and to advocate for the human rights of Haitian nationals  in Guyana. 

During the event, speakers will address the current geopolitical situation and the violence at the  border, as well as trace the history of the Haitian Revolution and its impact on contemporary  realities. The objective is to raise awareness, foster understanding, empathy, and inspire  collective action in support of the people of Haiti, who face immense challenges from both  domestic and foreign adversaries. The ongoing events in Haiti have left its people in desperate  need of assistance and solidarity. Sadly, the country and its people have often been treated as  outcasts within the region, although they constitute more than half the entire population of the  CARICOM. 

The recent call for solidarity made by SOKA and others is a timely and necessary plea. We must  respond to this call with compassion, empathy, and concrete actions to alleviate the suffering  experienced by the Haitian people. 

Haiti, once known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, has faced numerous challenges throughout its  history, including political instability and devastating natural disasters. Despite these obstacles,  the strength and resilience of Haiti’s people have remained unwavering. They deserve our  respect, support, and encouragement instead of discrimination and isolation. 

It is disconcerting to witness how this proud nation and its people are often portrayed solely  through the lens of tragedy, poverty, and misfortune. Such misrepresentations perpetuate  negative stereotypes and further marginalize a population already struggling for survival. As  citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to challenge these stereotypes and promote a more  nuanced and compassionate understanding of Haiti’s reality. 

SOKA’s call for solidarity urges us to look beyond surface-level narratives and explore the  complexities that define Haiti’s history, culture, and people. By engaging in dialogue and  supporting local organizations in Haiti, we can contribute, in our own small way, to the positive  transformation of the country.

Let us remember that solidarity is not merely a concept; it is a commitment to shared humanity.  By joining hands with Haiti, we demonstrate our collective resolve to combat injustice, poverty,  and discrimination. Our support can provide Haitians with the tools and resources they need to  rebuild, thrive, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

We urge all citizens to answer SOKA’s call for solidarity with the Haitian people. One impactful  way we can do this is by calling on Guyanese politicians and immigration authorities to heed the  United Nations’ (UN) appeal to temporarily halt the deportation of Haitian individuals, given the  severe conditions currently affecting the country. Let us educate ourselves, challenge  

stereotypes, and support initiatives that aim to uplift the Haitian people. It is time to replace  ignorance with understanding, discrimination with acceptance, and isolation with solidarity. 

The event will be held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre at the University of Guyana,  starting at 5:30 PM. 

Yours sincerely, 

Trevon Baird 

Dwayne Benjamin 

Louisa Daggers 

Ayo Dalgetty-Dean  

Shannon Forsythe 

George Gonsalves 

Mark Jacobs 

Ashma John  

Mark Mc.Gowan 

Elton McRae 

Sherlina Nageer  

Roger Persaud 

Jeremy Peretz  

Carinya Sharples 

Danuta Radzik 

Brian Shuffler 

Nigel Westmaas 

Charlene Wilkinson 

Maya Rufaro Wilkinson