DISASTER SOS: HAITIA BDNN PANEL DISCUSSION NEOCON IN CHICAGO, JUNE 15 

Atim Annette OtonCo-Founder, Black Design News Network (BDNN)

CONTENTS

1. How I/BDNN became involved? 2. BDNN EVOLVES 3. What is BDNN? 4. BASIC STRATEGIES 5. Meetings, Orgs and Information Gathering 6. HAITI – before & after (the Haitian

Renaissance 7. Presentation by Haitian General Consul 8. Presentations by key US organizations 9. BDNN’s initiatives – NOMA Boston, Choose

Haiti

HOW I/BDNN BECAME INVOLVED? - 1STRATEGY ONE: CONNECTING THE DOTS TIMELINE

Jan 12, 2010: THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE GROUND ZERO – ENGAGING AND CONNECTING THE

DOTS - INITIATING NOMA Jan 13, 2010: SENT EMAIL TO STEVEN LEWIS, PRESIDENT OF

NOMA PLUS 35 PEOPLE – INCLUDING 10 AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRM OWNERS –CURTIS MOODY, PHIL FREELON

EMAIL ONE:Steven,I have 2 key suggestions: 1.  I think a statement from NOMA and a press release calling black

architects to consider to assist, volunteer, contribute funds to Haiti, Haitian organizations such as Doctors without Borders, YELE, FOLKAI, etc.

2. I would like to suggest that NOMA and Black Architects consider contacting USAID to see what help and assistance can be given to Haiti - based on the earthquake. 

The first priority seems to be a need for doctors but in times of crisis, and as the country goes forward, there will be a need for reconstruction, urban planning, development and architecture. Any thoughts, Atim Annette Oton

HOW I/BDNN BECAME INVOLVED? - 2STRATEGY ONE: CONNECTING THE DOTS

RESPONSES:Re: Black Architects, NOMA and Haiti EarthquakeFrom: Steven Lewis  To: atim oton Brilliant. Can you draft something for me to use as the basis

for such a statement? I have inroads at USAID, so can probably get it in front of the right folks, but am time-challenged right now. Any help would be great to expedite this important mission. thanks, Steve

I agree with the two suggestions!   Curt Moody

I can recommend the organization Building Goodness out of Charlottesville. They have experience in design/build community work in Haiti, and in disaster recovery after Katrina on the Gulf Coast. They do not have plans yet but will post news here: http://www.buildinggoodness.org/index.php/news/. At some point they will be looking for volunteers. Bryan Bell

HOW I/BDNN BECAME INVOLVED? -3 OTHER RESPONSESThose of us who have done business with USAID and its associated agency ASHA

(American Hospitals and Schools Abroad) might consider co authoring a letter to both agencies offering our assistance. While it is true that planning and development efforts logically follow some time after the rescue and retrieval efforts, the centuries of neglect of that country probably warrants a mammoth rebuilding effort akin to the Marshall Plan (or at the very least the Katrina effort). I will be in that part of the Caribbean for the next five days and will inquire of other practitioners  what their plans of action might entail. Another idea is to utilize the services of our members who have specific experience with design in seismic regions.

Thanks. Bill Stanley

ATIM: INCLUDE SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN THE LETTER:Strength in NOMA is built through unity in the cause that created the organization. Our

impact is felt when our organization wrestles with the dilemmas that face this nation AND THIS WORLD, particularly as they affect our profession. There is strength in numbers. By increasing OUR organization'S OUTREACH, we add strength to the voice with which we can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance; against abuse of the natural environment; and for the un-empowered, the marginalized and the disenfranchised. Our resources are.... We bring.....

Renee Kemp-Rotan

HOW I/BDNN BECAME INVOLVED? -3 OTHER RESPONSES Atim, Following on the thought in Bryan Bell's earlier email, Architects Without

Borders and Architecture for Humanity are both groups that would have core initiatives to assist in this endeavor. We may even want to align ourselves with architect organizations in the Caribbean, e.g., Jamaica Institute of Architects, Barbados Society of Architects, etc. as well as organizations like OECS.Patrick Williams

NOMA launches Service in Solidarity to join others in providing assistance to disaster-stricken Haiti...??? Steven Lewis - Sent from my iPhone

Steven,1. Can you move this paragraph before - About NOMA?In times of crisis, it is vital to come together and serve others in need. We are extremely

proud of our colleagues at the American Institute of Architects, Architecture for Humanity and all of our sister organizations that moved to immediately place resources into action to offer assistance to Haiti. NOMA stands with them as we all endeavor to make a positive impact, now and into the future.

Steve/Board/All:Here is same NOMA press release translated into French.Love/Peace/Out/Well done! Renee

RESULTS PRESS RELEASE Distributed by BDNN, in English and French – to

200 press and got about 35 write-ups.

Committee on Haiti SIS Committee on Haiti created

Initiatives on Haiti Service in Solidarity – Donated $10k for CHF International Activated Strategic Thinking and Responses Engaged with a role to get NOMA to the table with

the decision makers in Haiti and in the US Core Focus – Getting Involved – socially, ethically

and responsible

STRATEGY TWO: BDNN EVOLVES - 1 HOW WE EVOLVED?BEGAN AT A PANEL DISCUSSION AT NOMA

Developed with a Knight Ridder NEWS CHALLENGE GRANT

Piloting in the NYC metro area, BDDN will expand regionally across the US and around the world as a creative hive, a “work-space” hub for designers to develop projects, exchange ideas and share expertise across disciplines, without regard to geographic borders. This collaborative work space offers new ways to produce projects that benefit the public interest. These might include creating possible design solutions for sheltering the homeless in New York City, constructive solutions for recovery in New Orleans and other areas where natural disasters occur on a regular basis (the Caribbean, etc.) or a Sustainability Model for Lagos, Nigeria that could be investigated by a team of interdisciplinary designers.

GRANT Submitted December 15, 2009

STRATEGY TWO: BDNN EVOLVES – 2A WHAT IS BDNN?

Black Design News Network's fundamental objectives are to:

BROADCAST: Black Design News Network’s (BDNN) goal is to produce and broadcast local, global stories with content to, for and about underserved African Diaspora designers (African, African American, Caribbean, Hispanic) in Architecture, Interiors, Industrial, Product, Fashion, Graphic and Media Design via a web- based portal.  

WEB THE BASE: BDDN will identify black designers who ‘infuse unique identity into creative culture’ and transform ‘the aesthetics of dominant culture’, via 4 web-based components: a.) a digital news bureau to broadcast; b.) an online magazine to document the work; c.) a digital design studio/workspace to collaborate; and d.) a digital library to archive exemplary design, education, practice projects that serves to promote the worldwide contributions of designers from the African Diaspora.

MARKET + SELL IDEAS: BDNN will promote black design goods, services and ideas to the marketplace, par excellence and en masse.

CREATE PARTNERSHIPS: BDNN will establish and maintain partnerships with the United Nations, USAID, American Institute of Architects, AIGA, Black Creatives, Black Interior Designers, Focus on Design, Organization of Black Designers, National Organization of Minority Architects, National Conference of Mayors, American Planning Association, Councils on the Arts, design firms, schools & organizations across the world.

STRATEGY TWO: BDNN EVOLVES – 2B WHAT IS BDNN?

Black Design News Network's fundamental objectives are to:

DEVELOP DATABASE: BDNN will create a minority designers database/correspondence series for data retrieval on issues, such as: structural racism, black aesthetics, new markets for global design; & online surveys to report the wealth of findings in this our new design research magazine.

DISTRIBUTE NEWS+ PR: BDDN will improve the way news and information is distributed locally via a strategy of tagging content geographical and matching local audiences by partnering with designers, worldwide.

 PROMOTE NEW IDEAS: BDDN will increase the volume, quality and content of design news on various platforms (print, web, TV, mobile). This is a African Diaspora design brain trust

 WORK SHOP + SHARE: BDNN will become a unique place for designers to network, interact, think & create.

WHO IS BDNN?The BDNN team: Atim Annette Oton

Nigerian-born, U.S. and British educated architectural designer, Atim Annette Oton is a cultural writer/publisher and entrepreneur, and co-Founder of the Black Design News Network. She was an Associate Chair of Product Design at Parsons School of Design from 2000- 2006. Born in Calabar, Nigeria where she spent her formative years before coming to the US to study architecture at the City College of New York in Harlem under the influential black architect Max Bond (who she later worked for) and the Architectural Association Graduate School in London, England. 

She returned to New York in 1994 to work with the architecture firm, Davis, Brody, Bond Architects and various other firms in New York. In 2000, she was part of the design team that won the African Burial Ground Interpretive Center. She also worked as an executive producer and design consultant on the Underground Railroad Experience, a cultural education website from 2000 - 2004; and won an Independent Grant from the NYSCA on her work, the Black Hair Salon in 2002. In 2002 and 2004, she participated as a designer for the 3rd and 4th Annual Bridge Street Development Corporation's Bed Stuyvesant Design Showhouses. She has been a consultant to the Bronx Council on the Arts for its Artisan Institute, an innovative idea focused on micro-enterprise for craftspeople in the Bronx.

Her design work has been published in Architecture Record, Design Build magazine, Design Architecture.com, Oculus and Blacklines magazine and exhibited at the Architectural Association, London, and in New York at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Institute for the Research on the African Diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean (IRADAC), the Bronx Museum of Art and the City College of New York. She served as the editor-in-chief and executive vice president for Blacklines Magazine, a quarterly magazine publishing features on black designers in architecture, interior design, construction, development and the arts from 2000-2002 and the Co-Organizer, Limitless Layers, Blacklines’ Second Conference, Design Showcase and exhibition, April 11-14, 2002 and Co-Organizer, Bridging the Gap between Education and Practice, Blacklines Architecture Conference, Design Showcase and exhibition, October 19-22, 2000.

WHO IS BDNN?

The BDNN team: Renee Kemp- Rotan Renee Kemp-Rotan, Director, Capital Projects Mayors Office, Birmingham, Alabama;

Former Chief Urban Design/Urban Development; Director Economic Development, Atlanta GA. B. Arch Syracuse, cum laude; MSUP Columbia U.; RIBA II Architectural Association, London.

RKR, came to the South from London, New York, DC around 1996 to work for Corporation for Olympic Development, Atlanta and now oversees $175 million dollars of bond/non-bond construction projects for Birmingham’s Mayor. As a master of architecture/imagination, she consistently blends urban design, heritage, and media savvy design with economic development projects on a major scale.

Her work on The Grand Egyptian Museum Competition, Cairo; Pullman Porter Museum, Chicago; Railroad Reservation Park, Birmingham; Fort Worth’s Evans Rosedale; Auburn Avenue National Civil Rights Street Museum, Atlanta’s First Aquarium Initiative with daring exhibition designs for Urban Sea Academy, ENN-Environmental News Network, and Re-creation of the River Nile prove her theory of “African Americana”: that strong urban heritage statements create major destination tourism dollars. She has served ten mayors of major American cites on issues of urban design, economic development and master planning (i.e. DC. NY, ATL, Bham.)

She has directed more than 30 major master plans for predominantly African American communities over the course of her career. Kemp-Rotan was recently recognized by both Harvard University and Oxford University as a leading urban designer in their jointly published African American National Biography. References to her work reside in the archives of the African American Studies Center. Oxford , England and the W.E,B. Dubose Center on African American Studies at Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts.

STRATEGY THREE: LAUNCHING BDNN STRATEGY – 2010

BETA SITE – full site to launch December 2010 SOCIAL MEDIA – Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin ISSUE ORIENTED: DISASTERS INITIATIVES WITH DESIGNERS AND ORGANIZATIONS Developing a Partnership Strategy with Organizations Series of Grant Applications helped us develop the site

focuses and perspective Applied for a Knight News Challenge Grant, Graham Foundation,

MacArthur J-Voices, NYC Seed Start, etc

STRATEGY FOUR: BDNN’S FOCUS DISASTER FOCUS

DISASTER SOS: HAITI NEOCON – JUNE 2010

DESIGN IN THE DIASPORA NOMA BOSTON – OCTOBER 2010

DA BRONX SOS GRANT APPLICATION

CITIES UNDER SIEGE GRANT APPLICATION CITIES UNDER SIEGE: Disaster in the Diaspora is an online publication led

by members of Black Design News Network (BDNN) and victims of disaster to collectively investigate the impact of natural and made-made disaster in chronically underserved communities, worldwide.

CITIES UNDER SIEGE will target citizens of communities of color suffering ‘disaster’: The Earthquake & Port Au Prince, Haiti; Katrina, The Flood & New Orleans; Blight & The Bronx; etc., using a web-based platform with social media and mobile technology to collect news about: existing pre/post-disaster conditions; benign neglect; existent v. non-existent early warning systems; effective v. dysfunctional emergency interventions; culture and crisis analysis in the Diaspora communities.

STRATEGY FIVE: ATTENDING MEETINGS ON HAITI AND MEETING THE DECISION MAKERS/FUNDERS - 1

Haitian Government Haitian people – in Haiti and across the Diaspora United Nations (UN) World Bank Clinton Foundation/Clinton Bush Foundation Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) Congress- in particular Yvette Clarke and Ed Towns in

Brooklyn US Government

STRATEGY FIVE: ATTENDING MEETINGS ON HAITI AND MEETING THE DECISION MAKERS/FUNDERS - 2

France, Canada, South American and Caribbean Countries UNA-HAITI – Haitian American/Haitian Diaspora Organization Brooklyn International Development Trace Center (BIDTC) USAID Department of Commerce USTDA Department of Defense

STRATEGY FIVE: ATTENDING MEETINGS ON HAITI AND MEETING THE DECISION MAKERS/FUNDERS - 2

France, Canada, South American and Caribbean Countries UNA-HAITI – Haitian American/Haitian Diaspora Organization Brooklyn International Development Trace Center (BIDTC) USAID Department of Commerce USTDA Department of Defense OPIC

STRATEGY SIX: KNOWLEDGE IS KEY

BDNN IS BECOMING CULTURE EXPERTS BDNN IS BECOMING THE PLACE TO GO FOR

INFORMATION ON HAITI

AMBASSADOR LESLIE VOLTAIRE REMINDS US NOT TO FORGET HAITI

HAITIA collection of information from January 12

Getting up to speed on HAITI

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESENTATION BYS.IM.A.C.T, INC.SOCIETE IMMOBILIERE, D’AGRICULTURE, DE COMMERCE ET DE TOURISME SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS INVESTORS

REAL ESTATE

AGRICULTURE

JOB CREATION :TOURISM & COMMERCE

HAITITHE LOST PARADISE

CHANGING THE PANORAMA OF HAITI

CHANGING PANORAMA OF P-AU-P

DISRUPTION & LOSS OF LIVES

PEOPLE FULOF LIFE

DAMAGING THE EXISTING WEAK INFRASTRUCTURE

DESTROYING HOMES & MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS

THE SACRED PLACE OF WORSHIP

THE RECOVERY: HAITIAN RENAISSANCE

THE HAITIAN RENAISSANCE

HISTORICAL FACTS

ONCE THE RICHEST COLONY IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION

IN 1950: ECONOMY RICHER THAN THAT OF THAILAND

BIG AGRICULTURAL EXPORTER OF COCOA, COFFEE, SUGAR, RICE

HAITI’S POTENTIALS

UNTAPPED NATURAL RESOURCES LARGE, UNDEVELOPED LANDMASS IN THE

CARIBBEAN REGION EMERGENCE OF A POWERFUL, WELL

PREPARED DIASPORA LARGEST, YOUNGEST LABOR FORCE EAGER

TO FIND WORK REAL ESTATE VALUE HAS KEPT PACE WITH

THE REGION DESPITE ITS UNSTABLE PAST DOMESTIC TOURISM HAS REMAINED STEADY

HAITI GROWTH POTENTIAL

SHARES SAME ISLAND WITH D.R. POPULATION : 9-10 MILLIONS, A

SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THE ENTIRE CARIB-WORKFORCE

TROPICAL CLIMATE WITH 1850 KMS OF SHORELINES, GREATER THAN THE D.R.(1350 kms)

STRONG DOMESTIC TOURISM :600,000 per year

HAITI: BASIC FUNDAMENTALS FOR GROWTH

MATURING DEMOCRACY ( FRAGILE ) PEACEFUL LOCATION : CARIBBEAN UNTAPPED NATURAL RESSOURCES (agro-

industry, mineral exploration, industrial developments, telecommunication, transportation, massive housing developments, tourism)

PROXIMATE DIASPORA LARGE & RELATIVELY CHEAP LABOR FORCE

US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SEMINAR

ACCESSING MEDIUM TO LONG TERM OPPORTUNITIES IN HAITIAN RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 10 , 2010

JEAN-SÉBASTIEN RICHÉCONSULATE OF HAITI IN NEW YORK

THE JANUARY 12 EARTHQUAKE IN KEY FIGURES

More than 300,000 deaths, 300,000 wounded (thousand of amputees), 1.3 million refugees and homeless living in tent cities;

105,000 homes destroyed, 208,000 damaged, 1,300 educational institutions and 50 hospitals and health centers collapsed or unusable;

Total losses and damage estimated at USD 7.9 billion or 120% of GDP lost in the dust and rubble. Highest cost of disaster ever for the 35 years since DALA method has been used;

Economic activities in the devastated areas accounted for 85 % of the State revenues (FMI).

FROM A TRAGEDY TO AN OPPORTUNITY VISION AND PRINCIPLES FOR A BETTER AND STRONGER HAITI

A fair , just, united, friendly and environmentally friendly society ruled by the law;

a modern, dynamic, competitive, open and inclusive market-based economy;

a society serving everybody’s basic needs; a knowledge-based society built on a strong

university system; A responsible, unitary state guaranteeing the

implementation of the laws with a strong commitment to de-concentration and decentralization.

THE COURSE OF ACTION Two master documents: Post Disaster Needs Assessment

(PDNA) and Action Plan for the National Reconstruction and Development (APNRD);

3 interlinked phases of action to coexist with immediate or long-term impact (relief and prevention, rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable development )

Actions oriented toward 4 sectors territorial rebuilding, economic rebuilding, social rebuilding

and institutional rebuilding

SITES TO VISIThttp://blackdesignnews.com/blog1/wp-content/uploads/

2010/05/Action_Plan_En_FINAL_12April.pdfhttp://blackdesignnews.com/blog1/tag/haiti-earthquake/

TERRITORIAL AND ECONOMIC REBUILDING

Cleaning and reconstruction of devastated zones(1000 heavy trucks for 1000 days);

Preparation for the hurricane and disaster risk management;

Building code and zoning code; Watershed management; National transport network : the highway

network (600 km) ;

TERRITORIAL AND ECONOMIC REBUILDING (2)

A key concept : the 6 Regional Development Centers and 10 largest urban areas renovation (5 million people)

National planning and local development; Basic infrastructures to renovate/build and

maintain: roads, ports (including 2 deep-water), airports (2 internationals), telecommunications, water, sanitation (8 disposal sites), electricity with an emphasis on environmentally sound renewable solutions.

SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL REBUILDING

Temporary and permanent housing; High-intensity labor jobs; Health care (30 new hospitals), food security and

nutrition; Schools and universities; Justice and security; Re-launching the central administration; Regain a critical mass of qualified human

resources with a new balance between capital – regions (20%-80%);

THE MACRO-ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK Before the earthquake, a converging and

consecutive set of positive indicators: low inflation, steady growth, stable exchange rate;

After the quake, some encouraging sign: exchange rate remained unchanged after a few days of volatility;

Anticipated deterioration in 2010-2011 especially the BoP and the budget deficit;

general improvement projected from the medium term through 2015 supported by sound fiscal and monetary policy.

FINANCING THE NATIONAL RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HAITI: THE HRF

OBJECTIVE To mobilize, coordinate and allocate resources to

improve basic living conditions in Haiti and assist in building the capacity of the Haitian state and society in the longer term in a way that is consistent with Haiti’s Reconstruction and Development Plan and related initiatives

KEY HRF PRINCIPLES

Government leadership Filling gaps in reconstruction finance Adhering to high quality standards Building on existing capacity Embracing good governance Acting with speed while managing risks

HRF ACTIVITIES Activities will be financed to achieve the

HRF’s objective including:

Technical assistance and capacity building Infrastructure investments Delivery of basic services Community development Environmental protection and clean-up Job creation and income generation Budget support

FLOW OF HRF RESOURCES

Donor 1

WBIDBUNDP Other

Pooled Funds

Donor 2 Donor 3 Donors deposit funds into a single account managed by Trustee

Trustee acts as fiscal agent to transfer funds to Partner Entities

Partner Entities receive funds immediately based on instructions from the SC

Implementing Agencies receive funds through budget transfer (UN) or Grant Agreements (IFI)

MinistriesUN Organizations

NGOs Private Sector

HRF CONTRIBUTORS

Confirmations of intent to contribute: Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Norway, Sweden,

United States Australia, Caribbean Development Bank,

EU, France, Georgia, Korea, Oman, Qatar, and Spain are considering contributions

On March 31 at the UN, USD 5.5 billion pledged for 2010-2011 and USD 9.9 billion until 2014.

At present, only Brazil donated $55millionSite to visit: World Bank - countries -

Haiti http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/HAITIEXTN/0,,menuPK:338184~pagePK:141159~piPK:141110~theSitePK:338165,00.html

HRF GOVERNANCE

Steering Committee Chaired by Government of Haiti Representatives of donors contributing at least

US$30 million Representative of each partner entity (IDB, UN,

World Bank) Representative of Trustee (IDA) Observers approved by Steering Committee

LINKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT Government-HRF links include:

GoH chairs the HRF Steering Committee GoH endorses all proposals for HRF financing GoH would set standards for the recovery HRF will be an important participant in GoH-led

donor coordination and policy dialogue Haiti Interim Reconstruction Commission

(HIRC) is being established and will be a key partner for the HRF

NEXT STEPS

Interested donors agree on and sign Administration Agreement with IDA and transfer first contributions

First Steering Committee meeting held in Port-au-Prince (May)

Partner entities develop proposals Secretariat recruited First proposal concepts submitted

(June) First disbursement (June/July)

FINANCING THE NATIONAL RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HAITI: THE OTHER SOURCES

Total long term financing needs estimated at USD 34 billion;

Non HRF bilateral, multilateral, NGOs and international agencies;

FDI; Local private sector. Guarantee funds to

support credit facilities from banks and micro-credit lenders to rebuild houses and businesses;

Haitian Diaspora innovative way to fuel productive investment.

SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION PLAN: A SMART AND DUTIFUL DIVISION OF LABOR

Haiti has most NGOs per capita in the world after India (Pres. Bill Clinton, March 31 2010)

International partners to fine tune the coordination of myriad of projects and avoid substituting to the GoH;

Haitian private sector strongly committed to foster a large middle-class and a vibrant business climate driven by competition, innovation, inclusion;

The GoH to define the strategic vision, to be the chief enforcer, to abide by the rules of transparency and accountability.

A FEW ADVICES FOR INTERESTED ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSES

Know the specificities of your market; The Haitian Diaspora : a reservoir of

knowledge and know-who; Consider partnership with local firms; Strong Corporate Social Responsibility a plus; Excessively focusing on HRF as a financing

tool could result in missed opportunities.

USEFUL WEBSITES / CONTACTS www.refondationhaiti.ht (PDNA, APNRDH, Donors pledge,

resource allocation);

www.haitireconstructionfund.org (under construction) On the HRF: Joe Leitmann jleitmann@worldbank.org

www.cfihai.ht Center for Facilitation of Investment (CFI) Haiti’s one stop shop for company registration and incentive

applications

THE U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE

“DOING BUSINESS IN HAITI”

PRESENTED BY:

ROBERT JONESREGIONAL COUNSELOR FOR COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS

• On January 12, 2010, the devastating earthquake created an economic tsunami, with total economic losses and damage estimated at over $7.8 billion - 120 percent of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

• This was the first time in the history of the world that a natural disaster was so high relative to the size of a country’s economy.

• Seventy percent of those economic losses were suffered by the private sector.

Doing Business in Haiti

• March 31, 2010, the United Nations, in cooperation with the Government of Haiti, co-hosted the “International Donors Conference Towards a New Future for Haiti.”

• Fifty nine Donors pledged $9.9 billion for medium to long-term recovery, with $5.3 billion pledged for reconstruction activities over the next 18 months.

• Haiti will need an estimated $11.5 billion to repair the damage and build a New Haiti over the next decade.

Doing Business in Haiti

• Donors Conference created the new “Interim Haiti Recovery Commission”, to be headed up by Haitian Prime Minister Bellerive and former U.S. President Bill Clinton (IHRC).

• This entity will be able to seek, approve and coordinate projects.

• The World Bank also established a Donor Fiduciary Fund to oversee the disbursement of international reconstruction funds.

Doing Business in Haiti

• A number of organizations will participate in different aspects of the building of a new Haiti, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank (WB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

• Additional entities such as the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Trade Development Agency (USTDA) will also devote their resources to this effort.

Doing Business in Haiti

• These entities will engage in projects and activities regarding the building of a new Haiti, and will make that information available to the public, along with requirements such as any pre-qualification process or other related issues.

Doing Business in Haiti

• Short-term Opportunities: emergency assistance and supplies; shelter; medical services and supplies; etc.

• Medium to Long-term Opportunities: These will be very significant as the general plans become focused and develop into specific projects, and then those projects are implemented.

• This will not be a rapid process; however, for firms which are informed and prepared, and which have established critical business linkages and relationships, these opportunities will be extensive and will be for the long-term.

Doing Business in Haiti

For information about opportunities in regards to the Building of a New Haiti, please go to the U.S. Commercial Service Santo Domingo

website and complete theHaiti Interest Form:

www.buyUSA.gov/Caribbean

Contact us !

U.S. Commercial ServiceCaribbean Office

Maria Elena PortorrealRegional Senior Commercial SpecialistMaria.ElenaPortorreal@mail.doc.gov

Dominican RepublicTel: (809) 227-2121Fax: (809) 920-0267

Santo.Domingo.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov

Robert Jones Regional Counselor for Commercial Affairs

Robert.O.Jones@mail.doc.gov

Megan SchildgenRegional Commercial Attaché

Megan.Schildgen@mail.doc.gov

Haiti Reconstruction SeminarHaiti Reconstruction Seminar

Brooklyn, New York – May 10, 2010Brooklyn, New York – May 10, 2010

OPIC and HaitiOPIC and Haiti

Facilitating U.S. Investment for Facilitating U.S. Investment for Reconstruction and DevelopmentReconstruction and Development

OPIC Announces Special OPIC Announces Special InitiativesInitiatives

“OPIC has a long history in Haiti, and we will utilize that experience to encourage new American private sector investment in the country.”

Dr. Lawrence SpinelliOPIC Acting PresidentFebruary 17, 2010

Introduction to OPICIntroduction to OPIC

Independent agency of the U.S. government

Established in 1971 Facilitates and supports U.S. private

investment in developing economies abroad Supports economic development in over 150

countries and areas Helps U.S. companies access new markets

where private capital may be difficult to obtain

Supports commercially-viable projects on commercial terms

OPIC Products for Projects in OPIC Products for Projects in HaitiHaiti

Political Risk Insurance Protects investors against a variety of risks

Long-term financing Provides loans and loan guaranties

OPIC Political Risk InsuranceOPIC Political Risk Insurance

Protects against three political risks:Political ViolenceExpropriationCurrency Inconvertibility

The need for political risk insurance:Cover possible damage or loss to tangible

assets, the value of investment, or earningsObtain or attract financing in the face of riskDeter long-term losses through OPIC

advocacy

NGOs in Haiti Specialized coverage to support first responders To protect assets such as vehicles,

equipment, supplies

Eligibility and TermsEligibility and Terms

Available to U.S. investors, contractors, exporters, financial institutions, and NGOs

Coverage for various types of investment:Equity, debt, leases, technical assistance

agreements, performance/advance payment guaranties, contracts with a foreign government

• Coverage up to 90% of investment

• Up to $250 million per project, no minimum

• Up to 20-year tenors, fixed premium

OPIC FinanceOPIC Finance

Finances a percentage of total project cost:Total project cost includes land, construction,

equipment, overseas working capital, etc. Direct loans and loan guaranties

Projects at least 25% owned by U.S. citizens, or other significant, long-term U.S. participation

• Repayment through project cashflow

NGOs in Haiti Offer direct loans to American NGOs currently

assisting humanitarian efforts in Haiti Loans will target NGOs that had exhausted their

operating cash flow, enabling them to continue operations

Eligibility and TermsEligibility and Terms

Finance up to 60% of the total project costUp to 75% of the cost for an expansion of an

existing project Sponsors should raise remaining funds in

equity Sponsors/management must have experience

in the same or a similar industry

• Loans from $100,000 up to $250 million

• Loan tenors typically between 5-15 years

Getting Started with OPICGetting Started with OPIC

1. Review the website: www.opic.gov(Hint: For financing, review

SME Finance Eligibility Checklist)

2. Consult Small Business Guide:http://www.opic.gov/small-business

3. Contact the Public Information Officer:info@opic.gov or +1 (202) 336-8400

4. Insurance: Complete Form 50 Finance: Complete Section1a of Form 115

5. Need an advisor? www.ednaccess.com

Alison GermakPublic Information Officer

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)1100 New York Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20527 U.S.A.Tel: +1 (202) 336-8651Fax: +1 (202) 336-7949

Email: Alison.Germak@opic.gov

HAITI RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALLMAY 10, 2010

Sara E. Hagigh, Deputy Director

Office North & Central America & the Caribbean

International Trade Administration

U.S. Department Of Commerce

89

ITA OrganizationUnder Secretary for International Trade________________Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade

Assistant Secretary& Director General for

U.S. Commercial Service___________________

Deputy Director General U.S. Commercial Service

Assistant SecretaryManufacturing & Services

_________________Deputy Assistant Secretary Manufacturing & Services

Assistant Secretary Import Administration________________

Deputy Assistant Secretary Import Administration

Executive Direction/AdminCFO/Admin, CIO

Public & Cong. Affairs

DAS International Operations

DAS Domestic Operations

DAS Trade Agreements & Compliance

DAS for Europe

DAS for Western Hemisphere

DAS for Asia

DAS for Africa, Middle East & South Asia

DAS for Manufacturing

DAS for Industry Analysis

DAS for Services

DAS forAD/CVD Operations

DAS for AD/CVD Policy and Negotiations

DAS for Textiles & Apparel

Assistant Secretary Market Access and Compliance____________________Deputy Assistant Secretary Market Access and Compliance

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

U.S. Commercial Service– Promotion –

Manufacturing and Services– Analysis –

Import Administration– Enforcement –

Market Access and Compliance– Access –

90

91 91

U.S. GLOBAL EXPORTS 2008

Source: U.S. Bureau of Census

• CAFTA-DR region represents the 13th largest U.S. export market world-wide ($25 billion 2008); 3rd largest in Latin America, after Mexico and Brazil.

• U.S. exports were 50 percent higher in 2008 compared to 2005, the year before the agreement went into force.

• U.S. trade surplus with CAFTA-DR grown to over $6 billion in 2008, reversing a trade deficit of $1 billion in 2005.

• U.S. imports from CAFTA-DR countries experienced more modest gains, but the region has also benefitted from expanded foreign investment flows.

CAFTA-DR: OFF TO STRONG START

HAITI – BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

April 20 2010 – Washington DC

1. Hosted by Sec. Locke, with special guest speaker Haitian Minister Delatour

2. Senior Representation from Major Financial Institutions (TDA, USAID, OPIC, IDB)

3. Almost 400 Attendees

4. Currently three outreach events planned: New York City, May 10; Miami, May 25; and Philadelphia, June 7

QUESTIONS & USEFUL WEBSITES

U.S. Dept. Commerce, International Trade Admin.- Office of North & Central America & Caribbean (202) 482-0393- Office of South America (202) 482-2437

Trade Information: www.trade.gov Free Trade Agreements: www.export.gov/fta Trade Statistics by State: tse.export.gov Market Access/Compliance Problems:

tcc.export.gov

94

USTDA’S ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN HAITI

Port-au-Prince International Airport SecurityTraining ($150,000): USTDA provided a technical assistancegrant to Haiti’s National Airports Authority to support thetraining of airport security officials.

Caribbean Airport Certification Process ($207,000): USTDA has approved funding for a technical assistance grant tothe Executive Secretariat of the Caribbean Aviation Safety andSecurity Oversight System (CASSOS) to assist selected member countries, including Haiti, with their airport certification process. Proposals are due June 14, 2010. Aviation Cooperation Initiative of the Americas: The objective is to familiarize key Latin American and Caribbean aviation sector officials and project sponsors with the latest advances in U.S. aviation industry technologies through a series of reverse trade missions to the United States.

USTDA Priority Sectors in Haiti:

• Transportation (Aviation, Ports)• Energy• Telecommunications• Water and Wastewater Treatment• Earthquake Monitoring

PERCEIVED OR REAL RISKS

FRAGILE DEMOCRACY : SINCE 1996, UNEVENTFUL PRESIDENTIAL

ELECTIONS REMOVAL OF SEVERAL PRIME MINISTERS BY

PEACEFUL AND CONSTITUTIONAL MEANS PRESIDENT ARISTIDE WAS REMOVED BY THE

BUSH ADMINISTRATION

CRIME RATE : Haiti (11/100,000) Jamaica (67/100,000) Dominican Rep. (27/100,000) Costa Rica (17/100,000)

PROJECT FUNDING GUIDELINES

Evaluation Criteria:

• Whether the project is a high developmental priority for the project sponsor and the host country

• Likelihood the project will obtain implementation financing

• Ability to generate measurable commercial and developmental outcomes

• Mutual benefits for the United States and host country

Grantee Profile:

• Host country federal, state, or local government entities

• Private host country companies

USTDA CONTACT INFORMATION

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600

Arlington, Virginia 22209Telephone (703) 875-4357

Fax (703) 875-4009Website: www.ustda.gov

Keith M. EischeidCountry Manager

keischeid@ustda.gov

BDNN STRATEGY SEVEN: SUPPORTING HAITI INITIATIVES AND DEVELOPMENTS

NOMA/CHF - Tents to Haiti Haiti Softhouse/Rural Haiti – Transitional

Housing I Believe in Haiti – Business Ideas for Haiti Choose Haiti - Haiti as a place of business

Developing a team of designers to create products for micro-economy and small-scale development in Haiti

BDNN/NOMA in Boston – 4 Panel Discussions at Boston Conference will include special UN Envoy –Ambassador Leslie Voltaire and How to get Work/Projects/Business in Haiti

MORE TO COME

THE HAITI SOFTHOUSE

SOFTHOUSEGROUPLLCLONN COMBS, AIA : PROJECT DIRECTOR / PRINCIPALRODNEY LEON, AIA : PROJECT MANAGER / PRINCIPALMARK PARSONS: DESIGNER / PRINCIPALDRAGANA ZORIC, RA, RLA : ARCHITECT / PRINCIPAL

THE HAITI SOFTHOUSETHE HAITISOFTHOUSE IS A FLEXIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO SHELTER THAT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS.THE SHELTER IS DESIGNED TO RESIST TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANE CONDITIONS, RESIST EARTHQUAKES, AND PROVIDE A HEALTHY, WELL VENTILATED ENVIRONMENT. THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE STRUCTURE ALLOWS FOR MULTIPLE UNIT COMBINATIONS, ADDRESSING DOMESTIC SPACE NEEDS, INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS AND COMMUNITY NEEDS.

THE DESIGN FEATURES A LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY-TO-ASSEMBLE STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAME THAT RECEIVES HIGH PERFORMANCE FABRIC WITH EXCELLENT WEATHER CAPABILITIES. THE STRUCTURE CAN BE ANCHORED DIRECTLY INTO THE GROUND USING HIGH-STRENGTH EARTH ANCHORS IN A VARIETY OF SOIL CONDITIONS. THE STRUCTURE IS DESIGNED TO BE ASSEMBLED WITH FEW PEOPLE IN ONE DAY OR LESS.

THE SOFTHOUSEGROUP WAS CONCEIVED AND INITIATED BY A GROUP OF DESIGNERS WITH UNIQUE COMPLIMENTARY EXPERTISE AND A COMMITMENT TO BRINGING HIGH QUALITY, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO THE CURRENT DEMANDS OF THE RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS OF HAITI. THE SOFTHOUSEGROUP IS CURRENTLY WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RURAL HAITI PROJECT TO COMBINE CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WITH LOCAL AND CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE, IN ADDRESSING THE INTERMEDIATE NEEDS OF HAITI IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2010 EARTHQUAKE.

HTTP://BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM/BLOG1/2010/05/28/THE-HAITI-SOFTHOUSE-LAUNCHES-IN-NEW-YORK/

About RURAL HAITIThe Rural Haiti Project (“RPH”) is a youth leadership and community development organization that seeks to strengthen rural communities of Haiti by motivating, empowering and supporting young people in these often neglected regions to become leaders and builders of their communities. The organization explores creative ways to engage, challenge and encourage rural youth to set and reach new goals and to achieve their highest aspirations. RHP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered in the United States and in Haiti.Email:j-herve@ruralhaitiproject.orgWebsite:http://www.ruralhaitiproject.orgOffice:Phone: 347-405-5552; Fax:718-679-9231Location:180 Prospect Place, Suite 3B (Zip code11238) Brooklyn, NY

THE HAITI SOFTHOUSEHTTP://BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM/BLOG1/2010/05/28/THE-HAITI-SOFTHOUSE-LAUNCHES-IN-NEW-YORK/

THE HAITI SOFTHOUSE PARTNERS/FUNDER

MANUFACTURER:FABRIC IMAGES, ELGIN ILLINOISMARCO ALVAREZ, CEO; FABRIC IMAGESSAM LUGIANO; ARCHITECTURE & DESIGNFABRIC IMAGES – NEW YORK

HTTP://BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM/BLOG1/2010/05/28/THE-HAITI-SOFTHOUSE-LAUNCHES-IN-NEW-YORK/

BDNN- I BELIEVE IN HAITI

WILL COLLABORATE WITH I BELIEVE IN HAITI TO CREATE BUSINESS IDEAS FOR HAITI.

BDNN – CHOOSE HAITI

Choose Haiti - Haiti as a place of business Developing a team of designers to create

products for micro-economy and small-scale development in Haiti

BDNN AT NOMA BOSTON CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER 2010

BDNN/NOMA in Boston 4 Panel Discussions at Boston Conference

Special UN Envoy –Ambassador Leslie Voltaire How to get Work/Projects/Business in Haiti BDNN Initiatives

DETAILS WILL BE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM BY JUNE 30

BDNN – THE CULTURE CODE

THE CULTURE CODE by Renee Kemp-Rotan

THIS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE NOMA CONFERENCE IN BOSTON

BDNN - QUESTIONS FOR YOU 1. how can trained designers make a special contribution

to the rebuilding of Haiti? 2. how can trained designers who are also from the

Diaspora make a special contribution to the rebuilding of Haiti?

3. list those actions that need to occur in order to efficiently rebuild the country of Haiti, post-earthquake.

4. how does the world tend to deal with immense natural disasters throughout the world; and within the Diaspora?

5. how might you compare the disaster response to Katrina with the disaster response to Haiti?

6. what do you think of the idea of developing post-earthquake Haiti as the new utopia for the Diaspora?

7. what cultural principles must not be overlooked in developing a sustainable post-earthquake Haiti?

BDNN - MORE QUESTIONS 8. how might your firm or organization better contribute

to a more sustainable culture in Haiti? 9. does your firm recruit culture experts to collaborate

with its technical experts on on how to rebuild a civilization?

10. how might authorities on culture and authorities on infrastructure best strategize long-lasting solutions?

11. how might the effectiveness of that collaboration be best planned, prioritized, measured and implemented?

12. might your company wish to collaborate on the design of a pilot project in Haiti that tests the principles of 'a culture code'?

13. in what ways might your understanding of Haitian culture inform the design decisions that your firm produce there?

BDNN - Q/A

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

BDNN - THANK YOU

ATIM ANNETTE OTONATIM@BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM

RENEE KEMP-ROTANRENEE@BLACKDESIGNNEWS.COM