HDN calls the 2011 bipartisan proposal a timeless blueprint for rebuilding Haiti through partnership, accountability, and respect for sovereignty while honoring Poland’s historic role in the nation’s independence.
Washington, D.C. – 27th Oct 2025 -The Haitian Development Network Foundation (HDN) is calling on U.S. policymakers, including President Donald J. Trump, to revisit the bipartisan proposal introduced in 2011 by Senators Marco Rubio, Richard Lugar, and Richard Durbin describing it as a long-overlooked roadmap that could help rebuild Haiti’s political and economic stability today.
HDN believes that this forward-thinking proposal, crafted more than a decade ago in the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, remains just as relevant if not more amid the country’s current humanitarian and governance crisis. The initiative outlined a sustainable framework for development, security, and self-reliance, built on mutual accountability and international cooperation.
“Fourteen years later, the vision expressed in this bill stands as the most valid and actionable approach for Haiti’s renewal,” said Jacques Jonassaint, Chief Executive Officer of the Haitian Development Network Foundation. “We believe it’s time to move beyond short-term aid and adopt a model that empowers Haitians to rebuild their nation with dignity, partnership, and transparency.”
Revisiting a Blueprint for Change
The Rubio–Lugar–Durbin legislation emphasized institutional strengthening, private sector growth, and the creation of conditions that would enable Haitians to drive their own development. It called for enhanced U.S. engagement in areas such as education, infrastructure, and governance, while promoting fair trade and economic opportunity.
According to HDN, the principles in this proposed framework align closely with the foundation’s own mission, fostering sustainable development through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and civic empowerment. The organization views the 2011 proposal as a long-term vision that can unite both U.S. and Haitian interests toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Acknowledging Poland’s Historic Role in Haiti’s Freedom
In highlighting this renewed call to action, HDN also draws attention to the historic friendship between Haiti and Poland, a bond forged during Haiti’s war for independence. In 1803, members of the Polish Legion originally fighting under Napoleon’s French army chose to abandon the colonial ranks and join the Haitian revolutionaries in their fight for freedom. Their contribution was instrumental in the Haitian victory at the Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803, which led to Haiti becoming the first Black republic in world history.
“Haiti’s story is intertwined with the courage of those who stood for freedom and justice, regardless of nationality,” said Jonassaint. “Recognizing Poland’s role is not only about honoring history, but also about embracing the global spirit of solidarity that Haiti needs once again today.”
A Call for Renewed Commitment
HDN urges President Trump and the international community to consider the Rubio–Lugar–Durbin proposal as a viable starting point for a renewed, coordinated response to Haiti’s challenges. The foundation emphasizes that meaningful recovery must come through inclusive governance, economic independence, and respect for Haiti’s sovereignty.
“The Haitian people are resilient and capable,” Jonassaint added. “What Haiti needs is a genuine partnership one that listens, understands, and invests in solutions that last.”
About the Haitian Development Network (HDN)
The Haitian Development Network Foundation (HDN) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, education, and economic opportunity in Haiti. Through partnerships with civic institutions, diaspora communities, and private sector leaders, HDN works to create long-term solutions that empower Haitians to shape their own future.
For more information, visit www.hdnfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Jacques Jonassaint
Chief Executive Officer
Haitian Development Network Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
HDN operates as a nonpartisan nonprofit organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate. Its advocacy focuses on long-term development and governance solutions for Haiti.
