By Billy S. Garland
Invisibility, while a much sought-after trait for misbehaving children and wannabe superheroes, is almost a death sentence for nations. Haiti is a small island country less than 800 miles off the coast of Florida. Until a recent earthquake left the country in ruins, Haiti was routinely ignored and seemingly forgotten by rhe world powers.
Now, massive international relief efforts have begun that will focus on sifting through the wreckage to find missing persons, as well as setting the nation on a path towards re-stabilization. Still, the concern exists that when the media frenzy has subsided and the death toll is finalized, this nation will once again slip into the anonymity that has characterized so much of its history.
Haiti’s past is covered in blood. For much of history, control of the country was passed from nation to nation. Just over a century ago, the slaves that made up the majority of the population revolted, taking control of their country. But the newfound freedom did little to improve the standard of living.
The gap between the wealthy and the impoverished is staggering. Over 95 percent of the nation lives in third-world conditions. The infrastructure of the society is hardly sufficient to sustain the population.
To make matters worse, the island has hardly any natural resources. The land that was once covered in trees now sits almost completely barren of any forestation. The country’s population has slowly cut down all the trees. Unfortunately, this has only made conditions worse, as the lack of trees has led to a significant decrease in rainfall and wildlife. If ever there has been a lesson in futility, this is it.
The government has been of little help in improving situations. Controlled by the upper crust of the society, government offices have become little more than opportunities for the rich to get richer.
This earthquake is the worst that has hit Haiti in over 200 years, and the devastation that has ensued is breathtaking. Nevertheless, the world’s attention is short. When the initial humanitarian spark has burnt out, I pale to think of what will happen.
We must continue to place our attention on this small speck of land, even after the novelty has worn off. The Haitian people have too long been ignored, and it is time to take a greater interest in this not-so-far-away land.
Billy is a senior communication major.’ E-mail him at bgarland@louisvillecardinal.com
