In 1779, more than 500 Haitian volunteers fought alongside American colonial troops against the British in the Siege of Savannah. It is considered one of the most significant foreign contributions to the American Revolutionary War and evidence of Haiti’s long-standing ties to Georgia.
But this is where the story begins, not where it ends. Today, Haitians and Haitian-Americans represent one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups not just in the state, but in Atlanta, with a population of about 80,000.
Given these rich ties and history, it was only fitting that Haiti would open a consulate here. The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta was established in 2011 partly because of this history and to nurture and grow these ties.
Why Atlanta?
• Atlanta is a transportation hub, which makes it convenient to travel throughout the region and to and from Haiti. Delta Airlines has added direct flights to the country.
• Diversity is welcomed. Haitians add to the mix and are one of the largest African diaspora groups represented in Atlanta and the state.
• Georgia has a booming economy and is a hub for several Fortune 500 companies.
All of this serves Haiti, which is seeking to re-image itself, boost tourism and introduce its rich culture to the world.
Every December, the consulate presents “Flavors and Colors of Haiti” to spotlight the richness of Haitian culture, and to promote economic opportunities and tourism. Last year, the focus was on our budding fashion industry.
Thursday, we bring Haiti’s premier dance company, Ayikodans, to the Rialto Center for the Arts. Having preformed for sold-out crowds at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the past several years, this will be Ayikodans’ Atlanta debut. Through a partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., proceeds from our event will help fund an internship for six students at Coca-Cola’s bottler in Haiti.
As the consulate, it is our role to provide resources to counsel and protect Haitian citizens living and traveling in the region. We also serve as a center of information and cultural cooperation for anyone interested in learning more about our beautiful country.
Our mission is to work toward the sustainable development of Haiti by facilitating and growing business relationships, promoting foreign investments, and engaging with decisionmakers and citizens on issues of interests.
As part of our outreach, we inform people about what’s happening in Haiti. This January will mark the fifth anniversary of its devastating 2010 earthquake. Since then, our government has made great strides rebuilding the country. Numerous infrastructure projects are underway, including construction and renovation of six new airports, four ports, and roads and bridges.
The Haitian economy is growing. Tourism increased by 20 percent from 2012 to 2013; the first Haitian-made tablet, Surtab, continues to attract buyers. Meanwhile, foreign investments have increased steadily, from $119 million in 2011 to $185.7 million in 2013. Companies like Marriot, Hilton, Heineken, Best Western, Kenneth Cole and TOMS all recognize that Haiti is a great place for economic growth and opportunity.
Carnival Cruise Lines recently added the Island of Ile de la Tortue on the country’s northern coast as the site of a future port on its itinerary. American Airlines recently added a daily flight at the historical city of Cap Haitien’s new international airport. Two Georgia companies, Safi and Carter’s, are investors in Haiti’s garment industry. Coca-Cola is one of the largest employers in Haiti with its Brasserie de la Couronne bottling plant.
We want to encourage other Georgia companies to take advantage of the many opportunities to do business there, including close proximity, burgeoning industries and generous tax incentives. Our office plans monthly trips to introduce business leaders to companies and industries in Haiti. We want to continue to strengthen ties between Haiti and Georgia.
Gandy Thomas is consul general of Haiti in Atlanta.
About the Author
Featured
