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Haiti - 249th Independence Day : Speech by US Ambassador Wooster 05/07/2025 09:59:15
Speech by the American Ambassador to Haiti : "Good afternoon, Prime Minister, Mr. President, Ministers, esteemed guests, diplomatic colleagues, and friends. Thank you for making time to celebrate 249 years of American independence with us. Two and a half centuries ago, 56 people chose courage – against uncertain outcomes – by signing the Declaration of Independence. Our Founding Fathers were willing to pay the cost with their lives, believing it was the right thing to do, and betting, if they were successful, future generations of Americans would benefit. Their courage and sacrifice changed how the United States governs and how Americans live. Those leaders imagined a world beyond their experience – where premiums would be placed on liberty and equality. In doing so, they altered the course of history. The United States embarked on an audacious quest to form "a more perfect union," a project that remains ongoing, even as I speak. "Audacious" because they had to imagine this more perfect union they sought—history offered them no exemplar. Since 1776, America has forged its closest relations with nations which share the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of justice. Haiti and the United States share goals of social stability, economic growth, and a positive future for our citizens. Both of us recognize these pursuits demand moral courage from our public servants, whether they wear suits or uniforms, to create and sustain the conditions that will enable our children, then their children, to succeed. Advancing this vision is what American diplomats do every day. Entrusted by the U.S. government to implement policy, by the American people with their sons and daughters, and to be stewards of our taxpayers' money, this is our duty. The United States remains committed to seeking solutions to Haiti's present challenge: gang intent to overthrow the state. Indeed, the U.S. policy imperative for Haiti is stability. The prospect of this sovereign state becoming ungoverned space—or more particularly, governed by lawlessness, criminality, and terrorism—is inimical to U.S. interests, of course to Haitian interests, to the region's interests, and to the interests of every state which counts itself a member of the international community and which proclaims support for normative standards. Analysts of Haiti, and Haitians themselves, often refer to "elites" when discussing this country's political culture, and particularly, its ruling class. I trust it will surprise no one to acknowledge that America's Founders were elites, a collection of culturally and personally affluent gentlemen. These elites knew the creation of a new order would mean sacrifice and quite possibly, their death. Thus, it is remarkable that the decision to jettison status quo was made by those who benefited most from status quo; or put another way, by those who had the most to lose. Those familiar with U.S. history know, the costs for them were enormous, personally, financially, and professionally. That's the American foundational story. Remembering it is inspiring to Americans. Narratives fire the imagination, the heart, the head, the spirit of a people, and a country. Everyone here is familiar with Haiti's founding story, of revolution and liberation—inspired ironically by the French Revolution—against what at the time were believed to be insurmountable odds. To this moment, Haiti's achievement remains a singular historical achievement. As the hero of a popular Netflix series—Ted Lasso, if you're wondering—said, "Believe." My Haitian colleagues and friends, thank you for your hospitality in welcoming me back to your home. Finally, to everyone behind the scenes who made today's event possible – merci anpil! I have only gratitude and respect for all the work you do, every day, year after year, to enable the work of U.S. diplomacy, and the U.S.-Haiti relationship."
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