Haiti: OPL Denounces State's Inability to Face Natural Disasters

The Organization of People in Struggle (OPL) criticizes the weakness of the Haitian state in the face of natural risks and disasters, following the heavy damage caused by Hurricane Melissa's passage. In a statement released on October 31, the political party denounces "the state's chronic inability to ensure the safety and protection of the population," citing a situation of extreme vulnerability aggravated by years of inaction. According to the OPL, the consequences of Melissa's passage — more than 30 dead, dozens missing, and numerous flooded areas — reflect the structural failure of the Haitian state. "A country without defense forces, without intervention capacity, and without a prevention plan is a country that lives on prayers rather than planning," the statement emphasizes. The party asserts that the catastrophe would have been "even more dramatic" if the hurricane had directly hit Haitian territory. The organization extends its condolences to all victims' families, particularly to Ms. Johane Pierre, an OPL member in Petit-Goâve, who lost two children during the floods. It also takes the opportunity to commend the resilience of the affected populations in the Southern, Southeastern, and Grand'Anse departments. Comparing Haiti to other Caribbean countries such as Cuba and Jamaica, the OPL notes that these nations have been able to limit human losses thanks to solid structures, operational armed forces, and preventive crisis management. It concludes that the country's vulnerability "has reached an unacceptable level" and that it is urgent to integrate civil security and social protection into public policies. The party, which proposed Edgard Leblanc Fils to the Transitional Presidential Council, thus calls for a national awakening and concrete actions: the reconstruction of the national security system; the implementation of a reintegration plan for internally displaced persons; the overhaul of risk and disaster management policy, focused on prevention, rapid response, and solidarity. For the OPL, current leaders know the country's problems but lack the courage and will to address them. "The time has come for Haiti to rise again," writes the political group, believing that change remains possible provided that every citizen assumes their responsibilities. The organization concludes by calling for a collective surge to build a stronger and more resilient Haiti:
"Long live the protection of the Haitian people! Long live a standing Haiti! Long live the OPL!" The Editorial Team