Prior to the earthquake, Haiti was listed as the poorest country in the western world, with 80 per cent of the population living on $2.00 a day, and over half of those living on $1.00 a day or less.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti has devastated the country killing 111,000 people dead and leaving millions more homeless.
The historical roots and causes of the extreme poverty there are complex and include a succession of invasions, forced reparations to France for the loss of slaves after a slave revolt, trade embargoes, multiple military coups, corrupt governments, and outside interference from other countries.
Since 1980, Haiti’s debt has more than tripled to $1.1 billion, approximately 40 percent of the nation's gross national product.
Last year Haiti paid more in debt service than it did on medical services for the people.
In their hour of desperation, NOW is the time to forgive Haiti’s debt!
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