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While Haiti has recently celebrated more than 200 years of independence from French colonial rule, the citizens of the island remain vulnerable to poverty, poor health, and political chaos.

And the fact that Haiti was occupied for 19 years by the United States, from 1915 to 1934.

When I came in, Haiti was not governed by Haitians anymore. Probably mostly by NGOs. And that has done what to Haiti? It has weakened our institution.

I have been curious about Haiti for many years. The history of the country is as fascinating as it is turbulent.

Haiti was founded by African slaves who rose against their European masters, had a revolution, and created a new state. There is no other such event in Western history.

Since the 1960s, exile for Haitians is a condition that ends only to begin again.

It is the destiny of the people of Haiti to suffer.

In 1994, when I went back to Haiti from exile, we established a Commission for Truth and Justice and Reconciliation. I passed the documents to the next government, and I never heard about it again.

I feel a special connection to Haiti and the Haitian people.

I think it's really important for Haitians living abroad to go back and help with the development and infrastructure, especially because there are so many international people there.