Originally: Legislation to Aid Haiti a ?Critically Important Step,?
DATE: October 28, 2005
FROM: David Early
O 202-541-3200
H 703-534-4775
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEGISLATION TO AID HAITI A ?CRITICALLY IMPORTANT STEP,?
CHAIRMAN SAYS
WASHINGTON ? Senate legislation intended to grant preferential trade treatment for Haiti ?can help stimulate the economic recovery of the poorest nation in the hemisphere,? according the chairman of the bishops? International Policy Committee.
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, of Pensacola-Tallahassee, thanked the measure?s sponsor, Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH), for his ?consistent support for the human and economic development of the people of Haiti.?
The Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act was introduced yesterday. Specifically, the bill would grant duty-free status to apparel manufactured in Haiti. DeWine sponsored similar legislation last year, but Congress adjourned before completing action on it.
?Not only could this bill, once enacted, create many new jobs in that depressed economy, but equally importantly, it could stand as a beacon of hope to the people of Haiti, signaling the intention of the United States to follow through with essential economic assistance,? Bishop Ricard said in a letter to DeWine.
The full text of Bishop Ricard?s letter follows:
Dear Senator DeWine:
Knowing of your consistent support for the human and economic development of the people of Haiti, I write once again to commend your lead in sponsoring a bill, similar to the earlier Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act of 2005, ?to expand certain preferential trade treatment for Haiti.? Like the previous HERO Act which you co-sponsored, the present bill represents a small but critically important step by which our country can help stimulate the economic recovery of the poorest nation in the hemisphere.
In a visit to Haiti last summer, a delegation of U. S. Catholic bishops heard pleas for just such legislation from Haitian bishops, political leaders and non-governmental organizations. Not only could this bill, once enacted, create many new jobs in that depressed economy but, equally importantly, it could stand as a beacon of hope to the people of Haiti, signaling the intention of the United States to follow through with essential economic assistance.
Especially over the past two years, the people of Haiti have had to endure extraordinary civil unrest and violence as well as devastating hurricanes and floods. With the prospect of a legitimate and popularly elected government coming into office next February, it is my prayer that this new legislation will bring encouragement and hope to the long-suffering Haitian people.
With thanks for your leadership in this matter and with best personal wishes, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Chairman, Committee on International Policy
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05-245
CNS, RNS, Secular