Two-city tour showcases strong potential for job creation in tourism and design sectors
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Internationally-acclaimed fashion
designer Donna Karan accompanied Haitian Minister of the Interior,
Thierry Mayard-Paul, as he visited the cities of Jeremiah and Jacmel
during his "listening campaign."
The visits, a
continuation of the Minister's tour of Haiti's heartland, are aimed at
advancing the government's goals for building a sustainable economy
through investments that support decentralization and drive job creation
across all sectors, and throughout all the communities of Haiti.
Minister Mayard Paul
and Ms. Karan met with Jacmel's Tourism Minister Ms. Stephanie B.
Villedrouin and visited several hotels and tourist sites damaged by the
January 2010 earthquake, including the Hotel Florita, the Jacmelienne
Hotel and other severely damaged structures along the coast of the
Southeast.
According to the
Minister, these structures hold investment opportunities for the region.
"Prior to the earthquake, Jacmel was one of Haiti's wealthiest cities,
with considerable tourist assets," said Mayard-Paul. "With its favorable
location, it holds great potential for development and job creation for
this region."
In visiting the city
of Jeremiah, Mayard-Paul solicited the needs of residents, and vowed to
deliver on their requests for jobs through the ongoing efforts of the
Martelly government to make Haiti a country favorable to business for
national and international investors. To that end, the Minister of the
Interior escorted Ms. Karan to an exhibition of local art and
handicrafts on Jeremiah's city square. In viewing the work of Haitian
painters, sculptors and craft persons, Ms. Karan reiterated her passion
for Haiti as a nation where "each person is creative" and promised to
assist Haitian artisans in promoting their works. "Creativity can be
manifested into jobs," Ms. Karan said, an ardent supporter of Haiti
through her company Urban Zen. "The craftwork of Haiti is a model for
job creation and education in Haiti. The best investment in Haiti is in
her people. Their desire to work says much about their spirit, soul and
pride."
Mayard-Paul also
visited Jeremiah's police station, addressing requests for the
redevelopment of the premises, and reassuring authorities that the
government is working towards long-term, sustainable solutions.
"President Martelly and his administration are implementing every
measure to achieve concrete and positive changes," said Mayard-Paul.
"Collaboration and cooperation aimed at attracting local and
international investment projects will help us achieve our vision for
creating sustainable development for Haiti."
