Introduction: a country held hostage by the economy of chaos The current economic situation in Haiti is no longer just a simple cyclical crisis.
Introduction: a country held hostage by the economy of chaos
Haiti’s current economic situation is no longer a simple cyclical crisis. It resembles a perverse reinvention of the crowding-out effect, where the state, weakened or complicit, allows dynamics that divert productive resources into opaque and destructive channels to thrive. The recent case of the Coopéclas credit union, highlighted by economist Thomas Lalime in his article entitled: “The Coopéclas Credit Union Pays the Price for the Invasion of Armed Gangs in the Central Plateau,” is not an isolated incident. It illustrates a systemic phenomenon: chaos as an economic model, to the benefit of unscrupulous actors.In an environment where insecurity becomes the norm, ethical biases and moral hazard turn into opportunities for those you rightly call the ‘soulless.’ Financial resources that should flow into productive investment are siphoned off by untouchable networks, thus creating a parallel economy that thrives on fear and vulnerability.
Honest investors, on the other hand, find themselves facing an impossible choice:
Compromise with the forces of evil, at the risk of losing their integrity. Resist, and suffer the fate of Coopéclas. Leave the country, leaving the field open to predators.
This dynamic raises a fundamental question: Who actually benefits from the chaos?2) A Corrupted Behavioral Economy
Haiti has become an involuntary laboratory of extreme behavioral economics. In this ruleless jungle, the misfortune of one brings the happiness of another, and the institutions meant to protect the common good sometimes profit from the disorder they are supposed to fight. The population, trapped, lives in a double fear: That of the ‘wild wolves’ – armed groups; That of the ‘shepherd’ – public institutions meant to protect them but which, too often, betray them. This situation is not the result of chance. It is caused, maintained, instrumentalized. Every forced displacement, every abandoned business, every emptied neighborhood benefits hidden interests.) Resignation or national awakening?
In the face of this reality, the population develops survival strategies, often confused with resilience. But this “resilience” has become a semantic trap: it normalizes the unacceptable, it lulls collective consciousness to sleep, it turns resignation into a virtue.
Yet, a country cannot rebuild itself on resignation. A national awakening, a surge of dignity, a categorical refusal to accept fate, are needed.4) The Essential Role of Youth and Intellectual Elites
Haitian youth, despite the trials, remains the greatest dormant force of the country. They must open their eyes, refuse manipulation, and take their destiny into their own hands. But they cannot do it alone.
Intellectual elites — economists, engineers, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, researchers — have a historical responsibility at this dangerous crossroads the country is facing: that of redrawing Haiti’s economic map. Not by reproducing past models, but by proposing a new vision, based on: Ethics as the foundation of growth;Transparency as a tool of governance; Innovation as a driver of economic and social development; Citizen participation as a guarantee of stability; Protection of honest investors; Institutional reconstruction as a national priority pillar.5) For a Change of Course: Innovative and Patriotic Paths
Here are some concrete avenues that could feed a national transformation project: Create a National Pact for Economic Integrity, involving institutions, businesses, and citizens. Establish an independent Public Ethics Observatory, endowed with real powers. Encourage productive investments through secure and autonomous zones, managed by public-private consortia. Develop a sovereign digital economy, less vulnerable to criminal networks. Mobilize the diaspora as a force of innovation, not just as a source of unconditional transfers. Train a new generation of political leaders, rooted in rigor, transparency, and patriotism. These paths are not utopias. They are vital necessities for a new Haiti oriented towards growth and development.
Conclusion: Rebuild Haiti through consciousness and courage
Haiti has hit rock bottom. But hitting rock bottom can be an opportunity: an opportunity to push strongly to rise back to the surface. The country will not be able to recover as long as the economy of chaos dominates. It will not be able to rebuild as long as the elites remain spectators. It will not be able to move forward as long as the youth do not rise. The future of Haiti depends on our collective ability to say no to defeat, yes to dignity, yes to ethics, yes to a new national contract, and therefore to a patriotic pact.
It is up to us — intellectuals, professionals, engaged citizens — to pave the way. Because the future of the country and that of our children depend on it.
