In today’s environment, it is difficult to be an advocate for democracy and good governance. For years in Haiti, I have been the target of a network of corrupt officials and businessmen allied with journalists and other government officials both in Haiti and abroad. For these folks benefiting for the systemic corruption, including receiving kickback and “contracts”, someone exposing the wrong in the system and calling for the right can pay a dear price.

My work with students, women, farmer organizations, unions and political parties in Haiti providing training in good governance, free market and democracy has for years been a threat to this entrenched network. These crooks from both the left and the right are opposed to free and faire elections, good governance and democracy in Haiti. They have their lobbyists and “journalists” in Washington attack advocates like me in order to protect their dealings and perpetuate the corruption of the Haitian government. I have been subject to a smear campaign and endless character assassinations that have hurt me – and my family deeply. Today when you Google me, you will probably read about a person that has organized counterinsurgencies, removed a government, and is the “scion” of a wealthy landowning family. This isn’t me. It’s the virtual me that follows me around..

What they haven’t counted on is that this will not discourage me from continuing on fighting for what’s right. Your reports give me hope and let me know that I’m not alone. It’s easy to feel that way when you’re reading the smear!. It takes a lots of integrity, discipline and determination to pursue this investigation and share the truth with the citizenry, and I for one am deeply appreciative.

Stanley Lucas – http://www.solutionshaiti.blogspot.com

Was about to bemoan your lack of comment regarding the current financial turmoil, and then I spotted this!