The rebirth of Haitian transport
ONCE BACK ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE, HAITI INTENDS TO INTRODUCE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO TURN AROUND THE POOR CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY'S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

ERNST LARAQUE Minister of Works, Transportation and Communications

Transport infrastructure in Haiti is desperately in need of improvement. Replacing the established state monopolies by more dynamic private companies could be one answer to the problem, but the main focus of President Aristide’s original program is a partnership of the two.
“The idea is new and carries a lot of prospects,” says Minister of Works, Transportation and Communications, Ernst Laraque. There are problems, however, as both sectors distrust each other. “The private sector has been perceived as a monolith without a social conscience, while the public sector is presented as wasteful and full of mismanagement,” he points out. “We have to make sure that our privatization program does not send too many people on to the streets,” he adds. “As long as we are not clear on where our partners in the international community stand, we have to advance slowly.”

Ernst Laraque blames the holding back of international funds as one of the main reasons for delay. “Our image abroad has always been negative,” he says, although he thinks this is not the case once people have actually visited Haiti. “When people come here, they see poverty but they see positive aspects too.” With regard to the current freezing of American aid, he thinks the U.S. is motivated by self-interest and needs a more realistic and understanding approach. “We have always fraternized with them, plus we have a large community of brothers and sisters living in the U.S. All we are asking for is fair treatment,” he says.

Fritz Aristyl Managing Director of the National Ports Authority (APN)

In view of the current crisis situation, the original five-year financial plan needs revising, but the goal remains the same. What is important is that Haiti has chosen democracy. “Nothing can change this,” says Mr. Laraque. Democracy needs compromise, which is not a Haitian forte, but he believes that inter-party differences can be resolved.
The National Port Authority (APN) is responsible for managing all Haitian ports and plays a major role in both national and international traffic. “Over 90% of our commercial transactions are made by sea,” says Managing Director Fritz Aristyl. Imports have always been more important than exports and the gap has been widened by the fall in agricultural products.

The two most important ports, Cap Haitien and Port-au-Prince, both need modernizing and re-equipping. Buoys need replacing to indicate access channels, and investment in dredging equipment is required to deepen the ports for larger vessels. Mr. Aristyl hopes funds will be forthcoming once embargoes are lifted and he welcomes foreign investment. He does not think privatization is the only progressive step and, like Mr. Laraque, prefers “a shared public-private sector alliance.” Though private entry may aid efficiency and profitability and achieve higher tariffs, he fears it may also increase unemployment.

APN, the National Port Authority, is responsible for managing all Haitian ports.

“My management is based on three essential elements,” says Mr. Aristyl, who prides himself on his human approach. “Dialogue, understanding and compromise.” Helped by various specialized commissions, he believes frank and open discussions have helped the company move forward since he took over. Training is a priority and part of the team is usually participating on courses abroad. Branching out, he would like to establish contacts “with the American Maritime Industry, particularly in the southern states.”

Haiti’s airports are controlled by the National Airport Authority (AAN) and the two largest, Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien, need renovating [see box below]. A $3 million project is being funded by Texaco, which possesses the airport fuel concessions: a good example of a private-public sector operation that works.
Despite lacking its own oil and other industries, Haiti is ready to “take off” soon, in AAN Managing Director Adler Edma’s opinion. Tourism has a definite future once financial aid materializes. “If St. Lucia can attract two million tourists, there is no reason why we cannot aim as high,” he states.