Here are some interesting links on Haiti :

CIA The World Factbook

The Free Encyclopedia Wikipedia

Haiti, Land of Hope

At the turn of the 21st century, the people of Haiti experience a powerful thirst for justice and peace. Liberated from the Duvalier dictatorship (1957-1986), freed from the repression of a military-ruled transition regime (1986-1990) and having survived the most violent coup d'état in their history (1991-1994), they long for true democracy. To attain it, they have waged heroic struggles and accepted enormous sacrifices.

But the current juncture remains a difficult one: those tragic years have produced intolerable impoverishment among the vast majority of people and an excessive rise of the cost of living. Besides, there remain hampering elements, obstacles and frailties on their journey towards democracy. The latest presidential elections plunged the country into a political crisis and the people no longer know to which candidates they should give their trust. However, the weakening of the social fabric has not affected the deep values of the people : courage, joy, a sense of sharing, solidarity, hospitality and love of freedom. We can say that a new generation of citizens has taken shape in the resistance of dictatorships. Everywhere, people are learning more and more how to live in a democracy. This marks a considerable progress!

In a Context of Change

Several generations of our missionaries have succeeded one another in Haiti. Arriving in 1943 at the request of Bishop Collignon, o.m.i. of Les Cayes, our Sisters listened attentively to the sufferings, hopes and faith of the Haitian people through services entrusted to them: the care of a group of aged people and the direction of a small school for poor children. Over the years, they have responded to many pressing needs in the areas of education and health care. Going over the recent history of the people of Haiti and over that of the Church gives us some insight into the journey our Sisters have gone through and the challenges they have had to meet to accomplish their mission.

Today, deeply touched by these events which have profoundly affected the life of the Haitian people, the Sisters of our Community in Haiti are firmly determined to walk with the people in their struggle for peace, justice and the respect of each ones rights. This major orientation of their pastoral plan is rooted in the Gospel. It calls for their audacity and hope. It is the vital link of spirit and enthusiasm that must motivate their commitments in the services of education or health care as well as in the different pastoral activities in which they engage.

Text M.I.C. Mission News (January-February-March 2002)
Céline Gauvin, m.i.c.