Remembering Haiti on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the earthquake

On January 12, 2010, the Republic of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the largest to ever hit the Western Hemisphere. This disaster cost thousands of lives and displaced many more until today.

Therefore, it is difficult to find words that will adequately express my shock and sympathy over the tragic earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince and caused the loss of over 200,000 with many more suffering and displaced. Some of the Haitians have fled to other countries to pursue happiness.

Some family members are still experiencing trauma and need psychological assistance and social interventions to help them recover. The pain of losing family members and friends shall never be forgotten. I remember that I had just finished talking to my own cousin, Lukencia Desptre, only to later receive the devastating news that she had died in the earthquake.

Sometimes, I do not want to talk about it because it is the hardest moment I had to go through, losing some of my family members and friends. I know that no words I can offer have the power to ease the loss, including the toughest, roughest, hardest moments that Haitians experience. However, it is my earnest hope that the many memories of family members and brothers and sisters will be sustained during this difficult time.

In commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the earthquake, I honor the lives lost during this disaster and offer my most heartfelt condolences. I wish my people strength, healing, and peace in the difficult times ahead.