MSMY's Ambassador Lewis Lucke
Lucke is describing three key phases of the Haiti operation. There are arguably four types of aid: emergency, recovery, reconstruction and developmental. Once immediate needs are met, the recovery phase begins -- reorganizing basic services, opening permanent supply routes, reuniting families. There's a hazy line between recovery and reconstruction -- but reconstruction aid intends to rebuild damaged infrastructure. Smart reconstruction aims to "rebuild better" (stronger materials, better location, etc.) to reduce the threat of future natural disasters.
Haiti's legacy of corruption is notorious -- corruption has hampered aid efforts in the past. I asked Lucke if this disaster is an opportunity to "rebuild better," perhaps helping foster honest institutions. "You're right. Haiti needs a change in political culture," Lucke replied, "from a government being predatory to one more helpful. We've been working in development in Haiti for a long time. How much we've been able to accomplish is a good question, though we've done a lot on individual levels and with NGOs.
"It's ironic, but after the immense suffering, we do have an opportunity. Haiti is now so profoundly broken there is really a chance to put it back together in a way that all of the well intentioned developmental programs of the past would not have done. Improving Haiti's government is key to future success."
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