The Multinational Monitor

NOVEMBER 1982 - VOLUME 3 - NUMBER 11


E D I T O R I A L

Haiti, Here I Come

Going through my mail this month, I came across a standard manila envelope from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Expecting to find the typically dull AID press release, I was struck by a glossy brochure (red, black, and white) entitled "HAITI: Investment Opportunities Mission."

The folks over at AID must have known I'd be interested in their latest offering: a six day trip to Haiti - for only $1,800. The trip, the brochure told me, was being sponsored by two U.S. government agencies: AID and OPIC (the Overseas Private Investment Corporation).

You know, the thing about OPIC is they really take you by the hand. On the application form, I was told to "indicate below which OPIC service" I might "be interested in exploring with regard to this investment mission;" I could choose from "feasibility study funding, direct investment loan, political risk insurance, or loan guaranty."

Putting the application form down, I figured I'd better look a bit more closely at the schnazzy brochure before I shelled out 1,800 bucks, which even for us businessmen is not peanuts these days.

My eye soon was drawn to the "excellent opportunities" that Haiti has in store "for the American investor."

Tops on the 16-point list of Haiti's "attractions" were two that made me want to grab the phone and call my senior vice president. Haiti offers, the brochure says, "An industrious people, dependable, friendly and eager to respond to productive challenges, and, get this, "A tradition of respect for private property and foreign ownership." Now I ask you, where can American investors find such a deal?

What most attracted me, however, was the chance to meet members of the Haitian government and the Haitian people, whom I had heard such nice things about.

I was assured on the brochure that I could meet the "chief of state or his Deputy" for a meeting that "will provide insights into trends and possible changes in government policy." Since I don't know all that much about Haiti, I'd like to meet this "head of state," who I see on the next page is "President-for-life Jean-Claude Duvalier." How did he get such a fine title, I wonder? Wish I had such job security.

The U.S. government is also setting up meeting for me with "Cabinet ministers whose responsibilities bear most directly on the concerns of U.S. investors" -- not bad; one little visit and I get to chat up a whole government!

Best of all, I was told that "mission members will experience life in Haiti through various receptions and dinners given by our Haitian host." These "cross-cultural activities," as my State friends so delicately called them, would enable me to see first hand how Haitians really live.

Haiti here I come. I'm going to get out my checkbook right away.

It sure is nice to have such a solicitous advance-man in the U.S. government.

Why else do I pay taxes, anyway?


Table of Contents