Linda Dorcena Forry

Tomorrow marks the Anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last year.  Despite a great outpouring of community and government support, Haiti has continued to face immense challenges from the cholera outbreak to the failure of world governments to deliver promised funding.  Although it has been almost a year since disaster hit, thousands of individuals and families struggle every day with the remnants of the earthquake. 

I know that many of you have worked tirelessly since January 12^th last year to help in the relief effort, and I want to take this time to acknowledge and thank you.  I know that you will continue to support Haiti because you know, as well as I, that rebuilding will not take one month or one year.  Rather, it requires a long term vision and a commitment to rethinking the way we partner with Haiti. 

Moving forward, it will be critical to have an open dialogue.  We must ensure transparency and accountability in the delivery and use of resources.  Most importantly, we must not forget our commitment to the Haitian people.

Tomorrow evening, there will be several events taking place to commemorate the Anniversary.  I will join almost 15 organizations at Roxbury Community College for a Memorial Service from 5:00pm-7:00pm, and I hope you will join me.  A conference to discuss the future of Haiti will also be held from 4:00-8:00pm at the College (pending weather conditions).  I look forward to seeing many of you there.