History
Columbus discovered Haiti in 1492. Colonies were established and slaves from West Africa were brought in to work the plantations. Exports of coffee, sugar, cotton and rich woods established Haiti as one of the richest colonies of its size. Haiti's slaves were emancipated and Haiti was the first slave colony to gain independence. Revolution followed revolution as different factions fought for control for over a century fueled by corruption. Ruthless, corrupt governments have brought this once tropical paradise to a grinding halt. Haiti is now the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.
Economy
The per capita, yearly income for Haitians has dropped below $300 per year. 80% of employed people earn $100 per year.
Unemployment is climbing to 90%.
There is a small industrial sector in the capital of Port au Prince making inexpensive goods for the international market. Conditions in the factories are poor and wages are below $3.00 per day. Embargos over the last two decades has closed down much of Haiti’s industries.
Social Welfare
The standard of living is the lowest in the New World, with 75% of the population subsisting below the absolute poverty level set by the World Bank.
The average living space per person in the slums is 2 square meters. Haiti is the most over populated nation in the Western Hemisphere.
The deplorable living conditions have increased the spread of disease to a phenomenal rate. Over 33% of infants under 2 years suffer from second and third degree malnutrition. Chronic malnutrition affects those between the age of 3 and 4 years, and is the cause of death for 90% of all infant mortalities.
Estimates show that 3 out of 5 Haitian children do not live to see their fifth birthday.
More than 45% of all deaths are due to infectious diseases and parasites which would be curable in the Western Hemisphere.
Most people eat less than 5 kg. of meat and drink less than 5 liters of milk per year. The average Haitian eats 1 meal every 3 days.
Environment
Deforestation, agricultural crisis, urbanization and toxic dumping have left the environment in a disastrous state. These situations are common throughout the world, but have been accelerated in Haiti by the country's extreme poverty.
Without income, farmers have been forced to burn trees to sell as charcoal. This is the main source of fuel. The barren land becomes eroded further by wind and rains making future harvests impossible.
Sometimes Haiti seems like a bottomless pit for those who have a heart to help these poor people. However, we need to remember the old adage: It is better to burn a candle than to curse the darkness. Just because we cannot solve the whole problem does not mean we are absolved from doing what we can!