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Haitian politicians can draw lessons from Abinader’s focus on securing borders but must approach this issue from a more inclusive and humane perspective. For Haiti, the priority should be to establish clear and efficient border management that prioritizes both security and collaboration with neighboring countries. Rather than building walls, Haiti could explore bilateral agreements to regulate migration flows, create legal pathways for cross-border movement, and prevent trafficking.
This approach would require significant investments in infrastructure and technology at the border, which Haiti can pursue through regional partnerships and international aid. Strengthening border governance can enhance Haiti’s sovereignty and security, but it must also address the root causes of migration, including poverty and violence, to reduce the push factors driving Haitians to leave.
Donald Trump’s presidency underscored themes of economic nationalism. His “America First” policies sought to protect American industries from external competition, sometimes at the expense of international cooperation. While Haiti lacks the economic leverage of the United States, its leaders can adopt elements of this strategy to prioritize local industries and reduce economic dependency.
For Haiti, this could mean revitalizing sectors like agriculture, textiles, and tourism, which have the potential to generate jobs and drive growth. However, Haiti must also avoid the pitfalls of isolationism, which is why the recent diplomatic efforts of Leslie Voltaire in Latin American countries like Colombia seem very positive. Strong economic diplomacy is essential to foster trade relationships, attract foreign investment, and secure development aid.
Haiti should consider negotiating preferential trade agreements with key partners, including the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, while advocating for fair treatment of its products. Additionally, Haiti could lobby for expanded access to U.S. markets under initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act. A diversified strategy combining self-reliance with external partnerships can strengthen Haiti’s economy while maintaining open channels for international collaboration.
Haiti can strengthen its regional and international standing by fostering multilateral cooperation, pursuing constructive dialogue, and leveraging global partnerships. Proposing regional forums with the Dominican Republic, CARICOM, and Latin American nations could position Haiti’s challenges as shared regional issues, fostering collaborative solutions on migration, security, and trade. Bilateral agreements with the Dominican Republic, such as regulated labor migration programs and cross-border economic initiatives, can ease tensions while benefiting both countries.
In the U.S., Haiti should reframe its relationship as mutually beneficial by emphasizing its strategic importance in the Caribbean and leveraging diaspora advocacy to bolster diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Haiti must actively engage international institutions like the United Nations and the IMF to secure resources for governance reforms, humanitarian needs, and long-term development, framing its recovery as a global priority.
Our Haitian politicians must recognize that effective diplomacy requires a strong domestic foundation. Haiti’s core issues now—related to gang violence, corruption, and poverty—are critical to restoring credibility both at home and abroad. Any lessons drawn from Abinader and Trump must be adapted to Haiti’s context, ensuring policies are inclusive and address systemic inequities.
While Haiti’s current challenges may seem insurmountable, our leaders have an opportunity to forge a path toward stability by prioritizing governance, fostering partnerships, and engaging diplomatically with nations like the DR and the U.S. The key lies in balancing national interests with humanitarian principles and long-term collaboration.
