Late October in Haiti saw big changes for the Haitian people and their political leadership as the Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis and her administration were dismissed by the Senate in a move consistent with Haitian constitutional measure. Her dismissal comes just a year after the last Prime Minister’s removal following a period of intense rioting, instability and discontent over the persistent food crisis. The recent decision reflects an overall sense of frustration from politicians and the Haitian people. Senators pushing for her dismissal cited a stalling of progress on the pressing issues of food and economic security the country had faced during the most recent period of riots and upheaval. The move came just weeks after President Clinton, appointed United Nations special envoy to Haiti in May, assembled and led a historic summit of potential foreign investors to the country. The conference proved hopeful but may have highlighted the lack of government progress on the issues facing the country. The change also ushered in new Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, who was nominated the day after Michèle Pierre-Louis was removed.
AN INTERVIEW WITH…Carline Etienne, resident of Gran Sous and President of GFDAGS
by Mara-Hiley Chery
1. What is the name of the Women’s group?
Groupment Fanm Development Advancement Grans Sous (Women’s Group for the Development and Advancement of Gran Sous)
2. Whose idea was it to start the group?
An elder woman (70 years) in our prayer group, said “it would be good for the women of Gran Sous to meet, to have a place where they can move, we can’t remain in the corner, we have a voice” We chose a date to meet and proposed the idea of forming a women’s group and everyone thought it was a great idea.So we decided on a day (Monday) when we would regularly meet and every woman present can give her opinions, speak about the things she would like, and what we as a group can improve for her.
3. Why is it important that there is a group for women?
It’s important, I don’t know what things are like for women of other nationalities but Haitian women suffer a lot of injustices.We suffer them at home, sometimes at the hands of our husbands and in the workplace.A group like this lets a woman know that she has an opinion and should voice her desires.Men often decide that they are in charge and are chiefs, but it’s important that every woman knows that she has the same rights as men and that she isn’t worthless.I want women to open their eyes and see that they cannot stay where they are.
4.How did you become President?
I and another woman were chosen as possible presidents, and so we were asked to leave the room while everyone else voted, and when we returned I found out that I received a majority of the votes.
5. Did you offer to become President or were you and this other women chosen by the group?
We were chosen. I didn’t offer myself for the position. I did think about being President and wanted it. But I think its better when you’re chosen.
6. What do you like about being President?
I like this position because when I’m with the other women I feel good. We all look forward to our meetings and we enjoy what we’re doing.We always pray for our meetings. When we get together we clean the roads or do household chores for neighbors that can’t. For example, we’ll go out and buy detergents and do laundry for those who can’t afford to buy the soap or can’t physically do the work.When we’re all together we also have a good time together, we may sing a song, share stories or tell jokes.
As President I don’t make decisions on my own.I believe that leadership involves bringing everyone together to make decisions together. We discuss the ideas that I and others present because sometimes the people around us have more insight, they can see things farther ahead than others.
7. What are the current projects you are working on?
Women. I would like to lift their spirits, wake them up, get them alive, and give them hope. Some wake up in the morning with nothing to give their children. I hope to change their lives. I hope we can create some sort of work, maybe a market, something that would give them hope for the future. I want this for all women in Haiti.
Our U.S team of volunteers is constantly striving for progress, reassessing our operations, and trying to evolve as an organization and our Haitian counterparts are no different. Fervidly working to improve the lives of those in Gran Sous, the KODAG committee now has a new name and new initiatives to tackle.
As many of our readers learned last month, the Haitian committee formerly known as KODAG has elected to change its name to ADAG. President Justin Stevenson said, “…we wanted to change the organization’s system. Since we were working on larger projects we decided to make it more inclusive so that more people can get involved.”
Another major development within Gran Sous, there has been an entirely new committee formed by female pioneers of the community. The unique quality of this committee is that it consists solely of women and has a large alliance of 55 members. The women of GFDAG exhibit a commitment and devotion to bettering the community they call home. To put this commitment into perspective consider maintaining a family household without access to grocery stores, frozen meals, running water or electricity. The amount of time that it takes for the women of Gran Sous to complete their daily household rituals is hours longer than we experience in the average US home. “These women are swimming against the current of poverty on a daily basis to meet the needs of their family for survival,” added Lindsey Walker, Roots Co-Director. It is with incredible drive and enthusiasm that these women contribute their time to establishing this new organization. According to Carline Stevenson, the leader of GFDAG, the group was started to honor all Haitian women, “A group like this lets a woman know that she has an opinion and should voice her desires. Men often decide that they are in charge and are chiefs, but it’s important that every woman knows that she has the same rights as men and that she isn’t worthless. I want women to open their eyes and see that they cannot stay where they are. “
The members of GFDAG have their own list of projects that they would like to bring to Gran Sous. When speaking of their short-term goals Carline said, “Right now we're working on a way to get the women in our community more involved in community life and leadership. We've thought about starting a store or open air market where women can come and sell food, clothes or anything else”Looking to the future, some of GFDAG’s long-term goals involve providing education and resources for orphans and underprivileged children, and creating micro-finance options for their fellow citizens of Gran Sous.
With the combined forces of ADAG and GFDAG it is clear that Gran Sous has a strong foundation for the progression of their community’s development. Carline added, “Our relationship with ADAG is like a marriage. We put together our resources to help each group reach their goals. It's a collaboration. We're both striving to help our community.” The collaboration of these two entities will strengthen Gran Sous, providing all of its members, men and women alike, with a voice in the community.
