In an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Herald, Jude Elie, a presidential candidate for Haiti, unveiled his ambitious vision for a brighter future. With a profound sense of concern for the dire conditions faced by the Haitian people and a deep disappointment in the lack of effective leadership, Elie expressed his unwavering commitment to bringing about significant change through his candidacy.
Elie’s overarching goal is to transform Haiti into a united and prosperous nation, where every citizen feels a strong sense of belonging and actively contributes to its development. He envisions a country where the people not only love living but take concrete steps to make it better through meaningful citizenship activities.
When asked about his strategy to address the numerous challenges plaguing Haiti, Elie presented a systematic approach that starts from the grassroots level. “I plan to challenge these issues systematically, starting from the bottom to the top,” Elie stated passionately. He emphasized his intention to hold elections in the rural sections, allowing citizens to choose capable individuals to govern their communities with dignity and efficiency. Elie intends to provide expertise and funding to support the construction and development of Haiti at the grassroots level.
Elie’s comprehensive plan extends to the election of mayors in towns, where he intends to find the best candidates and support them in running the business of the towns. With the aid of expertise and funding, Elie aims to make these towns more pleasant places to live, thereby improving the overall quality of life for their residents.
Regarding the election of legislators, senators, and ultimately the president, Elie firmly believes in applying the same standards of competence and providing expertise to candidates. He seeks to ensure that those in power possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively govern the country and address the pressing needs of the Haitian people.
Elie’s vision for economic development revolves around harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector. “I plan to enrich the Haitian population through organic farming,” Elie asserted confidently. By providing peasants with expertise and access to water resources, he aims to empower them to produce the best organic crops and fruits, not only to feed the population but also to tap into high-quality international markets such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Elie’s strategy is centered on creating economic centers for the youth who have completed their training, offering opportunities in areas like e-accounting to cater to global institutions.
Elie’s comprehensive disaster preparedness plan takes into account Haiti’s vulnerability to natural disasters. He plans to situate the country on the path of hurricanes, enabling it to be more resilient and better prepared for the strongest disasters. Elie intends to collaborate with the best experts from around the world to develop robust measures and systems to mitigate the impact of natural calamities.
Reflecting on Haiti’s historical challenges, Elie underscored the importance of dedicated leadership that unifies and safeguards the nation’s future. He outlined his plan to promote social and economic development through the implementation of an affirmative action program targeting women, rural communities, and those living in impoverished urban areas. “I will ensure that each town and rural section receives a budget to develop economic activities that benefit the population,” Elie asserted confidently. He aims to shift job creation from fake environmental protection to building resilience and addressing climate change.
Taking a strong stance against corruption, Elie stated, “Corruption starts at the top, and I will not accept a culture of corruption in my government.” He intends to lead by example, earmarking budgets for specific projects and subjecting them to rigorous performance measurements by an Accountability Court. Elie emphasized his commitment to swift and decisive action against those involved in corruption, setting a precedent that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
Elie plans to leverage Haiti’s rich cultural heritage, incorporating elements of Taino, African, and French influences to promote tourism. “I will make Haiti a destination for its culture, its past, and its resilience,” Elie exclaimed enthusiastically. He envisions Haiti becoming a Mecca for freedom, art, and spiritual heritage, branding it as the “Paradise in the Atlantic” and rivaling Bali in Indonesia.
Education takes top priority in Elie’s government, recognizing its pivotal role in a nation’s development. He envisions a comprehensive education package, including the establishment of primary and secondary schools in each rural section, lyceums in every town, and universities in each department. Elie also intends to attach industrial schools to lyceums and provide free education through night schools. A hot meal program will be implemented to support students’ learning and overall well-being.
Elie’s healthcare plan involves establishing clinics in each rural section, hospitals attached to university hospitals in each department, and major hospitals in all ten departments of the country. These healthcare facilities will deliver standard care comparable to foreign hospitals. Elie further emphasized his commitment to implementing a health insurance program that includes everyone paying on a sliding scale. He also intends to provide ambulatory care in rural markets, offering follow-up, urgent care, and instruction on market days.
Elie’s plan for disaster preparedness includes comprehensive instruction and education for all age groups, from kindergarten children to senior citizens. “Haiti will be in a permanent state of preparedness,” Elie declared resolutely. He envisions using a program called “debt swapping for nature” to reforest the country’s mountains with precious wood, which will bring wealth and environmental security similar to Dominica and Switzerland.
Elie acknowledges the fortunate position Haiti holds with the support of the international community. He intends to partner with international members to improve the country’s infrastructure, creating ten public-private partnerships to attract foreign investors for the development of essential infrastructural elements such as roads, airports, ports, bridges, and railroads. Elie also envisions making the entire country an internet-free zone, facilitating business transactions in even the most remote areas. Additionally, he plans to invest in golf courses in Haiti’s scenic mountains to attract enthusiasts of the sport.
Elie’s first order of business upon assuming office will be to develop a strong sense of belonging and unity among all Haitians. “For too long, Haiti has neglected the lower class, treating them as an illegitimate child,” Elie lamented. Through affirmative action programs, sketches, and radio programs, he aims to eradicate the divisions that have plagued the nation.
In conclusion, Elie delivered a powerful message of hope to the Haitian people. “They are a great nation that has left its imprint in the destiny of the globe,” Elie declared with conviction. With a strong leader at the helm, he believes Haiti can prosper and become a nation that its forefathers would be proud of. Elie assured the people that they have friends around the world who are rooting for them, encouraging them to envision a future where Haiti becomes a place to stay and a destination others envy.
Jude Elie’s vision for Haiti offers a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the country. His plans encompass governance, agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, disaster preparedness, and cultural promotion. With his unwavering commitment to unity, accountability, and progress, Elie aspires to lead Haiti toward a brighter and prosperous future.
“I want it to be difficult for any government that will follow my presidency to place Haiti on a back pedal. Anyone that will lead the Haitian Government after me will have the responsibility to continue the work that we have started. Any government following mine will feel obliged to invest in the development of Haiti.”
