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XII Issue 4 NOV/DEC

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a Day in the Life of
Haiti’s next President

Charles
Henri
Baker
with Carmel Moise-Bley
I
was honored to meet with one of
Haiti’s most distinguished public
figures, Mr. Charles Henri Baker,
during his recent visit to Miami.
Charlito, as family, friends and
supporters affectionately call him,
was born in Bourdon, a suburb of Port-
au-Prince, Haiti, 55 years ago. During
his formative years, Charlito developed
an affinity for nature and farming that
led to a career as a Farmer and Indus-
trialist. At 25, Charlito Baker became
the manager of a 41- hectare farm, The
Habitation Dujour in Croix des Bouquets
that produced sugar cane, banana and
tobacco. Under his leadership, the farm
quickly expanded to an 80-hectare plan-
tation and became the largest Flue-cured
tobacco farm in the country. Working
as the Assistant Leaf Growing manager
for “La Compagnie de Tabacs Comme Il
Faut”, Baker had the perfect opportunity
to travel throughout the country, see it
up close, and understands the needs of
its inhabitants. In 1988, Mr. Baker ven-
tured into the assembly industry, worked
with various large corporations and
managed to create more than 350 jobs.
Charlito has fought tirelessly throughout
the last seven years to bring real change
in Haiti. He has shown exceptional lead-
ership and an unwavering desire to serve
his country and improve the lives of its
people, which have compelled him to seek
the office of the Presidency, both in 2006
and for the upcoming 2010 elections.
Very early on, he developed an interest in
politics, declaring his opposition to a
succession of dictators and eventually
emerging as a leader of the Civil Society
movement during the historical GNB and politics that make him unquestion-
mobilization. Determined and com- ably qualified to assume the presidency
mitted to live by his convictions, and and lead Haiti into a brighter future.
conscious of the dire straits in which all
segments of the population, particularly An avid soccer player, who was once the
the most disadvantaged, find themselves. center back of the Bolide Club of Port-
Charles Henri Baker accepts to run once au-Prince, he also holds a black belt in
again for the country’s highest office in Karate. But most of all, Mr. Baker is a
order to restore hope for a people disil- family man who enjoys spending time
lusioned for too long with its leaders. with Marie Florence Apaid, his wife of
35 years, his 4 children and seven grand-
Mr. Baker is a well versed in many lan- children. He has always been a voice for
guages, a well-traveled Haitian citizen the poor, for justice, and real change.
who holds a degree in business adminis-
tration from St. Leo University in Florida. It is his integrity, his love for Haiti, and
He has acquired a wealth of knowledge his desire to serve that has inspired hun-
and experience in the fields of agricul- dreds of thousands to call him “THE
ture, economy, commerce, job creation BEST HOPE FOR HAITI”.
 Haiti’s next President, Mr. Charles Henri Baker with CNM’s Publisher, Carmel Moise.
CNM: Mr. Baker, on behalf of Caribbean
Network Magazine, I thank you for
granting us this exclusive interview .
CHB: You’re quite welcome.
CNM: How do you see the general
situation in Haiti, and why are you
running for President?
CHB: It is getting worse and worse every
day. It is truly ironic that a once beautiful
and bountiful paradise has been reduced
to a barren and desperate land. Poverty
is not the exception, it is the rule. Over
75% of the population lives in poverty and
struggles to merely survive.
Over 40% of the 1.3 million school age
children suffer from malnutrition. Most
do not attend school. The lucky ones work
for up to 12 hours a day and receive less
than $2 as compensation. Only 41% have
clean potable water. With infant mortality
at 35%, a major effort is needed to feed,
clothe, educate and vaccinate the child-
ren. We need to tend to their immediate
medical needs, and give them hope for a
better tomorrow. Let us not ignore the fact
that the constitution mandates children to
attend school from six to twelve years of
age. Haiti needs a government that is at
the service of the population, not the other
way around.
CNM: How do you feel about the com-
ing elections?
CHB: I feel excited to be part of a
democratic process that is instrumental in
bringing change to Haiti. It is a must for
every Haitian to get involved, and even
though some people will not vote for me,
it’s OK. It is part of the process. However,
I encourage everyone to vote, regardless of
his or her choice.
CNM: What is your vision for Haiti?
CHB: I envision a new society determined
to actively participate in the rebuilding of
the country from the ground up.
CNM: It’s been close to a year since
the earthquake and the people are still
living under Tents. If elected, what
would your government do to solve this
problem?
CHB: Today we have about 1.5 million
people living in Tent cities, which mean
that we would need to build approximately
300,000 homes to meet their needs. We
will re-open “EPPLS” which is a low-
cost housing development Bank. The
construction of these homes will create
thousands of jobs within the first three
years. A percentage of these homes will be
given to the families and the rest will be sold
on a thirty to forty-year credit term at very
low interest per year, with a five-year grace
period depending on the circumstances.
We need to create a mortgage system with
long-term payments if we are to provide
opportunities to the middle and more
impoverished class. Affordable low-income
housing is a crucial need demanding our
complete attention and dedication.
CNM: CNM: What is your plan for ru-
ral and agriculture development?
CHB: It is a subject close to my heart as I
was a Farmer myself. We will prioritize
3 sectors for immediate investment: Agro
industries and agriculture, tourism, and
construction. Through a combination of
technical assistance and local financing
from BNDAI which is an agro-industrial
and industrial development bank, we
will promote environmentally friendly
crops, and we project the creation of
approximately 3 million jobs in the agri-
culture sector throughout the countryside.
Haiti will become self-sufficient in food
production and food prices will come
down thus, improving the nutritional
status of the entire population. We will
promote “ORGANIC” production both for
local and exports markets.
CNM: If elected, what would you like to
achieve within your first 100 days in of-
fice?
CHB: Security will be my number one pri-
ority. It is essential to restore confidence
for local and foreign investment, as well
economic development. The tragedy of
January 12th is a painful reminder of why
we need our Haitian Army back. To me,
being President of Haiti is not just a matter
of personal accomplishment. It is an honor
and a question of duty.
of Haiti is not just a matter of personal
accomplishment. It is an honor and a
question of duty.
CNM: Mr. Baker, How do you see the
new Haiti? There is so much to do;
healthcare, education, security and in-
frastructure. What about the Environ-
ment? Tourism? Job opportunities?
Where do you start?
CHB: Our plan covers all these issues. As
I have said before, this will demand time,
patience, dedication and the cooperation
of all sectors.
Healthcare: The January 2010 earthquake
has exposed and worsened the healthcare
crisis that Haiti has been facing for decades.
While we must focus on preventive care,
we have to modernize our healthcare
system. In doing so, we will reduce the
infant mortality rate, infectious diarrhea,
malaria, STD and other endemic diseases
in Haiti. We will implement well-equipped
public hospitals in every department and
communal sectors. We will establish urgent
care centers along major roads and smaller
cities with attached ambulance services.
We will also repair and expand services in
existing facilities in every city, and build
a state-of-the-art hospital in Port-au-
Prince. Special emphasis will be placed on
rehabilitation centers as well as prosthetic
services for the victims of the recent
earthquake. We will bring healthcare to
the people by making it accessible to all.
Education: Economic prosperity cannot
flourish without education. We need to
invest in our children. After all, they’re the
future of our country. We will provide equal
opportunities to all children. We will build
one major university in every department,
one trade school in every community
and one High School in every communal
sector. We need to train our teachers and
provide continuing education in order
for our education system to succeed. This
will also create thousands of jobs within
the next 5 years. A Transfer of knowledge
program will be established where Haitians
living abroad with special skills would be
offered the opportunity to transfer their
knowledge to their fellow Haitians through
job training and internship programs. We
welcome public and private partnerships
with Haitian professional educators living
abroad. Throughout my visits, I have
observed that Haitians living abroad.
Through
Throughout my visits, I have observed that
Haitians living abroad are willing and
eager to participate in this great journey
for a brighter Haiti.
Infrastructure: Decentralization is not
only a constitutional mandate but also key
to Haiti’s success. It is imperative to have
basic infrastructure throughout the country
to meet the essential needs of our citizens,
investors and tourists. Major investments
will be made in order to promote maritime
transportation. We will take Haiti into the
21st century with a program called the
Highway of the Seas.
Environment: The constant degradation
of our environment will be addressed
immediately. Through agricultural
development we will restore and protect
over 30 percent of our lands. Our
mountains will be reforested; canals and
artificial lakes will be created in order
to reduce further degradation. A special
program to promote the industry of
charcoal will be implemented to teach
Haitians farmers how to grow and manage
the forest in order to produce charcoal. The
government will subsidize these farmers in
this special program.
Tourism: The natural beauty of our
country is stunning with over 1500 km of
coastline. My government will welcome
local and foreign investment in that
sector and provide them with the security,
tax incentives, basic infrastructure and
marketing support required to make
Haiti once again “La Perle des Antilles”.
Investors in the tourism sector will be given
long-term tax incentives for the creation of
sustainable jobs in the Hotel and Recreation
Industry. My administration will work
with the private sector and international
developers to build hotels and hospitality
schools in order to increase Tourism and
show Haiti in a positive light. Our country
is rich in Culture and History. Our national
treasures will be offered to the world to
visit and experience. This industry has a
capacity to create thousands of jobs within
5 years. Our brothers and sisters living
abroad represent over 3 million potential
tourists yearly, if given the opportunity
to come home in a safe and prosperous
environment. We must rebuild the image
of Haiti and reinstate our country on the
tourist map, a Haiti that welcomes and
embraces all visitors.
Job opportunities: The rebuilding of Haiti
demands much labor in every arena:
rubble removal, road construction,
rebuilding of government offices, hospitals,
schools, government assisted housing,
parks, airports and marine ports. We must
help the rebuilding of the private sector
in the earthquake torn areas. There is
work to be done and we will work on the
implementation of job creation. We will
set up new businesses in the provinces such
as farms, factories, academic and trade
school to create opportunities for Haitians
to return to their hometowns knowing
that they will have the tools available to
succeed. We need to make Haiti business
friendly. An individual should be able to
setup a business within three (3) business
days. By removing the red tape, we will
open the doors to investments at all
levels. We need to provide access to small
business loans. Special tax incentives will
be offered for all investments outside of the
metropolitan area, with greater incentives
given to those businesses that are farther
from the capital.
Financing for small business owners:
offer to all banks the appropriate guaranty
so that they can recapitalize the business
owners (not done since the earthquake),
to facilitate the lending of money to small
entrepreneurs, and to fund accordingly the
‘informal’ sector for a stronger economy
throughout the country.
CNM: Mr. Baker, corruption in Haiti
is a way of life, and it’s at all levels,
at least in the recent past. What will
your government do to stop or at least
minimize it?
CHB: Restoring the authority of the state
is imperative for social and economic
stability. Under my leadership, integrity
and respect will be brought to the office of
the Presidency. There will be no tolerance
for corruption. I will elevate this office
to the highest standard and bring back
honor and dignity. Accountability is Key
to restoring trust with all our International
partners and Investors. We will uphold the
Rule of Law.
CNM: Is the first Black Republic on the
verge of reinventing itself?
CHB: Yes! It’s a dream that will hopefully
become a reality sooner rather than later. I
am a constant representation of “not giving
up and not giving in.” I remain in the
trenches because I believe in a better
tomorrow for the Haitian people. Haiti is
our country and that’s where we want to be
so we need to fix it.
CNM: What difficulties have you
encountered during this campaign?
CHB: You name it! But my party RESPE
and I are strong. We stand firm against
intimidation, death threats, and much
more.
CNM: What do you consider your
greatest political achievement thus far?
CHB: Being able to gather 120,000
signatures as an independent candidate in
the 2006 elections, which is 2% more than
required.
CNM: What is your greatest strength?
And your greatest weakness?
CHB: I am a very strong man with an
iron will, and I have an ability to solve
problem no matter how challenging they
may be. My weakness: well, I tend to be a
workaholic and like perfection but we all
know that no one is perfect.
CNM: Besides work, what else do you
enjoy? What are your hobbies?
CHB: I like to read, travel, but football is
my passion. I was an avid soccer player.
CNM: If you can change one thing
about yourself, what would it be?
CHB: I would try to be more tolerant.
CNM: If you were granted three wishes
for the future, what would they be?
CHB: First, good health - secondly, I wish
for continued success with my career, and
lastly, I would like to see Haiti grow as a
safe and secure society in which to raise
a family and provide the opportunities to
allow all Haitians the freedom and ability
to grow in their chosen fields.
CNM: Mr. Baker, during the Town
Meeting in Little Haiti, you said that you
don’t like using the term “Diaspora”.
What do you want to say to the Haitians
living abroad?
CHB: Help is coming! We intend to
make Haitians living abroad an integral
part of the reconstruction of Haiti.
Multiple nationalities will be a reality.
E-Governance will facilitate access to
government services, regardless of the citi-
zens’ geographic location, income or social
status. We sincerely hope that the Haitians
living abroad will trust our government by
investing its time, knowledge and financial
resources to help us make Haiti a better
place to live, work and retire. We will also
work with the legislative branch to give all
Haitians returning home tax-free status for
the first ten (10) years. This is in an effort
to bring back the brainpower that we have
around the world. According to the latest
study, 80% of our brain trust is outside
of Haiti. We need all our brothers and
sisters to rebuild our country: OUR HAITI
CHERIE. We will implement a program
called: “POTE KOLE” where Haitians
from abroad will be given the opportunity
to help assist in the rebuilding of Haiti.
A requirement will be placed through
the CIRH that a percentage of Haitians
living abroad be given the job opportunity
based on qualifications and skills into the
reconstruction contracts. “Integration” is
essential for renewing our social fabric.
CNM: What is your present state of
mind?
CHB: Focus, determine, and very eager to
begin the work of the people of Haiti.
CNM: Are you ready for a new political
leadership in Haiti?
CHB: Yes, I am, and that is why I am
running. I believe that I am the man to
bring the needed changes and I believe that
I am the man to rally everyone to work
together towards the common goal.
CNM: Mr. Baker, you have the last word.
CHB: I thank you for the opportunity to let
my Haitians brothers and sisters know the
way I truly feel about our country. I also
want them to know that Haiti has serious
problems and needs serious people to help
resolve them. I have the qualification, the
drive and the dedication to turn the tides of
stagnation and indifference. Haiti deserves
better. Let us look beyond our differences
to make the difference. I am also thankful
for this interview, which allows me to share
with all Haitians around the world my
views for a better Haiti.
CNM: Thank you Mr. Baker, Caribbean
Network Magazine wishes you all the
best.
CHB: Thank you. God bless Haiti and
God bless the people of Haiti.
 A R O U N D
HAITI
with
40

Mr. Charles Henri Baker

40
 Baker is coming darling to change Haiti, we have hope. A little more
patience. He supports National Production, # 40 is our number.

Charlito Baker ap vini cheri pou chanje Ayiti, nou gen espwa.
Pran yon ti pasyans. Li sipòte Pwodiksyon Nasyonal, #40 se nimewo nou.
 A R O U N D
MIAMI & NY
with

Mr. Charles Henri Baker

Photos by: Vando Auguste
 You’ve been away too long. Tell your friends and Family to vote
CharlitoBaker #40, so I can see you again. He believes in Job creation.
You can trust him.

Ou deyò twò lontan. Mande zanmi w ak fanmi w vote

Charlito Baker #40, pou m ka wè w ankò. Li konn kreye travay.
Nou met fel konfyans. CNM Caribbean Network Magazine 31
 Charlito Baker’s impressive
campaign kickoff in Croix
des Bouquets
On October 15, 2010 a huge crowd watch Charlito
Baker walk onto the stage to kickoff his campaign.
“First of all, let me thank all of you for coming and all
that you do to support me. We’ve got a few days to
change the direction of our country and together, we
will”. Baker told the adoring crowd. He also reminded
the people of the crucial issues facing Haiti, but not to
worry, Help is coming!
The kickoff was very impressive, and as one said,
“this is not a carnival where people come to support
their stars, these are real Baker’s supporters, who came
out to support their candidate. Real people
who believes in what he stands for. A man with intel
ligence and integrity not to mention class, dignity
and respect. A man who wants to move Haiti out of
that hole, he has been a formidable candidate,
tough and determined. That’s why we’re with
him all the way, to save our “Haiti cherie”
period.
 We are the future of our country and Charlito Baker is our future.
Let’s get together as one to rebuild our “Haiti Cherie”.
Call home tell your friends and family to vote Charlie #40.
Remember, Haiti:First

Nou se fiti peyi nou e Charlito Baker se fiti nou. Annou tout fè youn pou
rebati “Ayiti Cheri”. Rele lakay pou di zanmi w ak fanmi w
vote#40. Sonje, Ayiti: Avan.
 Charlito will protect and promote the environment.
Give Haiti a chance to welcome and embrace all visitors by
voting #40. God bless Haiti, God bless Charles Henri-Baker.

Charlito pral proteje e pwomote anviwonman an. Vote #40, poun ka Bay
Ayiti yon chans pou l akeyi tout vizitèl yo. Viv Ayiti, Viv Charles Henri-Baker.
Please call Home and let the people know that Baker #40 is the real deal.
Let’s take our chance with him so we all can come home to
live, work, and retire. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE ARE TIRED.

Tanpri rele Lakay ou epi fè moun yo konnen ke Baker #40 se meyè

chwa a. Nap pran chans nou ak li pou nou tout ka tounen lakay pou-n
vin viv, travay, epi pran retrèt. ABRARAM DI SÈTASE, NOU BOUKE.