During times of war, young men and women are called upon to serve their country -- it's called conscription.
Today, Haiti is at war but the enemies are numerous: illiteracy, crime, poverty.
We are told that educated Haitians leave the country in large numbers searching for better lives.
This is understandable but also very sad.
Haiti needs its qualified sons and daughters more than ever. but where are they?
On her recent two-day state visit to Haiti, and more particularly her hometown of Jacmel, Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean referred to the people of the town's market as "my family."
If this is the case, I wonder why is the Governor General not prepared to return to Haiti, as an elected representative of that country, in order to invest her considerable talents to address these internal and fundamental problems?
We, in Montreal, are fortunate to have at least one exemplary officer in the Montreal Police Department who is of Haitian descent.
We need at least 10 more to bridge the few racial problems that exist in this city.
My point is that Haiti needs this officer, the present Governor General and other qualified Haitians more than we at this time in our history.
It is not up to the people of Canada to address the problems of Haiti, nor do I believe do the people of Haiti want us to meddle in internal affairs.
Just as young Canadians answer the call of their country during times of national need, people, including the present Governor General of Canada should respond to the needs of her birthplace.
It is one thing to "talk the talk." It is altogether another thing to "walk the walk."
Written by Georges Dupras,
Saint-Laurent, Quebec
