Hot Takes on Hispaniola: Haitian Cabinet of Réné Préval, 2010

Approximate Committee Size: 28 Delegates

On January 12th, 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that caused widespread destruction, leaving almost 300,000 homes and buildings in ruin. This committee takes place in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, as Haiti seeks to rebuild itself. Some countries have stepped in to help by providing money, rescue teams, and doctors, but the Haitian population’s needs continue to grow—residents’ access to social services have almost completely disappeared. With no electricity, the chances of finding survivors will shrink each day. People who have lost their homes are fighting over what little supplies are left, and looting has become a concern. Civil order has all but disappeared in the aftermath of the disaster, as criminal gangs operate with impunity and law enforcement are absent in much of the country. People are losing faith in the government, and minimal aid is pouring in from other countries. President Réné Préval has a big chance to unite the country and get Haiti back on its feet—in the short term, he needs to gain the public’s confidence and stop the riots and violence. President Préval also needs a long-term plan to rebuild Haiti, especially if foreign aid flow remains minimal. Another concern arises from the fact that Haiti resides on the same island (Hispaniola) as the Dominican Republic. Despite their proximity, the two countries have a history of tension due to cultural and economic differences. Although earthquakes are a common occurrence on the island, the aftermath of the disaster has brought an influx of Haitian refugees seeking safety across the border into the Dominican Republic. The earthquake may have only lasted 35 seconds, but the fight to save lives and rebuild Haiti will take years.

Contact the DAIS

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

Providing Immediate Disaster Relief and Rebuilding the Nation

Restoring Civil Order Across the Country

Addressing International Consequences & Foreign Aid

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Learn the political and social status on the island of Hispaniola and the unique cultural and economic relations of the island’s nations.
Understand how disaster relief and long-term rebuilding occur in real life, and the differences between the two approaches.
Consider how natural disasters, even if concentrated in a single country, can lead to serious international crises through ripple effects.

About the Chair

Lauren Stipe (she/her) is a member of the class of 2025 in the School of Foreign Service studying Science, Technology, & International Affairs with a minor in International Development. She loves NAIMUN and attended as a delegate her senior year of high school in 2021. In previous years at NAIMUN, she’s been the Director of Media & Design and a staff photographer, respectively. She’s looking forward to connecting with delegates on a more personal basis in her final year of NAIMUN (🥲). She enjoys swimming, attending concerts, competing for Georgetown’s Model UN team, and trying out new ice cream or ramen places in DC. She can’t wait to see you all soon and to make the Haitian Cabinet a great committee!

About the Crisis manager

Michael Mullin is a member of the class of 2026 in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Physics. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Michael loves exploring the (comparatively) big city of DC and will never turn down an opportunity to see a theatrical performance at the Kennedy Center. His model UN experience comes from his participation in Georgetown’s MUN team and staffing NAIMUN and NCSC, including having served as the Chair of the Global Union Federation on Qatari Labor Rights for NAIMUN LXI. Michael enjoys playing board games, watching movies, and swimming while he isn’t busy with schoolwork or his tutoring job. He is excited to serve as Crisis Manager on the Haitian Cabinet!