The Last Levee Is Breaking. Will We Just Stand By?

While gangs have formed powerful coalitions to destroy the nation, we—its civil society and diaspora—remain fragmented. That is the sad and bitter truth.

In recent weeks, I’ve sat through diaspora meetings that felt surreal. Instead of confronting the crisis head-on, we argued over semantics—debating whether it was even appropriate to call this a war. We spiraled into conspiracy theories about the role of the international community wanting to steal our oil, gold, and iridium while Haitians are being kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Haitians. More meetings. More conferences. And still, the diaspora remains paralyzed by ego and indecision. The most urgent issue—security—is consistently sidelined, rather than treated as the singular priority it must be.

I’m not seeking to lead, but I am committed to showing up and doing the work.

This isn’t just frustrating—it’s shameful. And I include myself in that shame. I’ve sat through meetings that went in circles—speaking more than acting, analyzing more than organizing. I’m not seeking to lead, but I am committed to showing up and doing the work. That’s why I’m paying close attention to those who claim leadership in our community. If you’ve taken on that mantle, this is your moment. Many of us are ready to support—but we need leadership grounded in courage, clarity, and integrity.

Rearranging Deck Chairs on a Sinking Ship

As gangs expand their control, the diaspora continues to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Yes, this work matters—but at this moment, it is not enough. It feels like rearranging deck chairs on the sinking Titanic. Lave men, siye atè—washing your hands only to wipe them in the dirt. The Haiti ship is taking on water. If we don’t plug the hole, everything else will go down with it.

Our singular focus now must be security.

Our singular focus now must be security. We must identify and fund legitimate, community-rooted resistance movements across Haiti. Look at Canapé Vert, where residents have organized neighborhood watch groups to protect their community. Or consider Commissioner Muscadin in Miragoâne, who has mobilized citizens to defend their town and the broader southeast region when the state would not.

We need to stop trying to do everything—and commit to doing the one thing that matters most.

Reinforce the Levee

This work should not be the responsibility of civil society but when the government fails in its most basic duty—to protect its people—citizens are forced to step in.

While we in the diaspora debate foreign interference and political agendas, Haitians on the ground—parents, teachers, farmers—are organizing grassroots defense networks with limited resources and extraordinary resolve.

They don’t need our advice or expressions of concern. They need material support to sustain and strengthen the work they are already doing.

Disagreement cannot be an excuse for inaction.

The gangs are coordinating. Meanwhile, we remain divided. It is time for the diaspora to act with urgency and purpose. Not everyone will agree on every detail, but disagreement cannot be an excuse for inaction. We must align around the one issue that underpins all others: security.

Right now, local resistance is the last levee holding back total collapse. If it breaks, Haiti will face irreversible consequences.

The time for debate is over. What’s needed now is unity, urgency, and action. The task is clear: set aside our egos, commit to collaboration, and help reinforce the levee.