The Columbus Memorial Library of the Organization of American States (OAS) today hosted the launch of the book "How Haiti can Make the World Dream Again: Practical Ways to Champion the Transformation," by former Haitian diplomat and current member of the OAS General Secretariat Jean Ricot Dormeus.
In the keynote address of the event, OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin praised the book's blend of principle and pragmatism, calling it both timely and essential. "The first important quality I find is that it contains principles, norms, and values. Right thinking must precede right behavior," he said. "At some points the book offers analysis, at others, poetry, hope, and realism. Those are four elements we need in moments of crisis—especially the last: realism."
Emphasizing Haiti's central importance to the region, OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin said, "If there is one country in the region where the OAS can truly succeed, it is Haiti—a country where multiple crises converge at once: political, social, environmental, economic. It's regrettable, but that's the reality. That's the realism we must embrace. Haiti must be a priority. It is not a choice. It is not a question. It is simply a must." He concluded by highlighting the book's value as a source of guidance and hope: "It provides many paths for inspiration—and we will continue building on them."
The Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Laura Gil, echoed the urgency of the moment, while also challenging the prevailing attitudes toward Haiti. She described the phenomenon of "Haitian fatigue," which she said "has affected donors and humanitarian workers alike. And this fatigue is not innocent — it is a choice, and it has consequences. Because while the world might tire of Haiti, Haitians have not had the luxury of fatigue."
Ambassador Gil emphasized the resilience of the Haitian people: "Yet, beneath the rubble, the failed interventions, and the recycled narratives, there still beats a heart of persistence, and, above all, a capacity to dream. The author dares us to let Haiti dream again — and to let us dream with Haiti. Not as a utopia. Not as a charity case. But as a sovereign people, capable of imagining their own future on their own terms." She added: "In my view, this book is the first work to build a path toward the restoration of faith in Haitian leadership, Haitian institutions, and Haitian civil society."
For his part, author Jean Ricot Dormeus offered a powerful message of hope and purpose for Haiti's future. He said that Haiti, "the country that once inspired the downtrodden of the earth and lit the flame of liberty in their hearts, making them dream of happiness and fulfillment," can once again "make the world dream."
To reach that goal, he emphasized the importance of visionary leadership. "Leadership is essential. You cannot achieve anything without it. Haiti's rebirth depends on leaders who uplift and serve the people — not dominate them," he said. Dormeus added, "Haiti cannot resolve its problems alone. But if Haiti — a country so many consider hopeless — can rise, then every underdeveloped country in the world will say, 'If Haiti can do it, so can we.' That will spark a wave of transformation."
The launch event was organized under the auspices of the Permanent Missions of Haiti and The Bahamas to the OAS, and featured opening remarks by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the OAS and Chair of the Permanent Council, Stuart Savage; the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the OAS, Myrtha Désulmé; and the Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the OAS, Chet Neymour. The program included readings from the book, a dialogue with the author, and live musical performances.
Reference: FNE-144429
