"There is a burning need to tap the energies of Haitians -- not just the devastated national government. That means at the grass-roots, church, business and neighborhood groups that know the country, speak its languages, and are deeply committed to its rebirth.

Efforts to do so have been negligible so far. A report by Refugees International, an advocacy group in Washington, says that Haitians have been excluded from major planning at the United Nations compound because they donŐt know about meetings, arenŐt allowed in or donŐt have the staff to send. The United Nations Development Program has hired more than 70,000 Haitians to clean debris. Much more is needed."

Editorial
NYTimes.com
Posted 03.12.10