Haiti Connection 2010 Draws Largest Attendance Ever

The Haiti Connection 2010 Conference opened on November 3, 2010 at the Miami Wyndham Hotel with more some 275 people in attendance, the largest registration of any of the prior eight conferences. Registrants came from 34 states, the District of Columbia, and three foreign countries.

During the two-day conference the Bishop of Haiti, the Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, and members of his team, presented the diocese’s long-range vision for recovery. Also representatives from the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church described existing and on-going resources for the recovery effort at the national level.

The keynote speaker, Kesner Pharel, a consultant on economics and public policy from Port-au-Prince, talked about changing perceptions and attitudes in Haiti and the importance of changing our attitudes toward development assistance. “Hold us accountable for the aid we receive,” he said, “and think of investing in Haiti as a true financial partner.”

Also, during the conference break-out sessions were held for specific ministries and/or institutions of the diocese: St. Vincent’s Centre for Handicapped Children, Hopital Ste. Croix, the Partnership Program, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Haiti Episcopal University/Seminary; and Agricultural Development Programs.

On the final day the group focused on financial accountability and communication. Episcopal Relief and Development presented a website that begins to collect all of the ministries of the diocese and partners on one map with current project descriptions and contact information. Please go to www.haitiepiscopalpartnership.orgto see the latest version.

Please check back for updates to the diocese’s long range plan and for information on efforts to address the long-term restoration of the diocese.