During a three-day tour of the North Department, a delegation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) conducted several field visits and working sessions with the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) to assess the progress of jointly funded projects and strengthen cooperation between the two institutions. This mission, which took place in Cap-Haïtien, Trou-du-Nord, Terrier Rouge, Ouanaminthe, and Fort-Liberté, provided an opportunity to observe firsthand several infrastructure projects and social initiatives implemented with the support of the IDB and FAES.

The activities began with site visits in Trou-du-Nord and Terrier Rouge, including a water bridge, a school, and other community infrastructure projects currently under construction.

A subsequent major working meeting held in Cap-Haïtien allowed FAES to present its entire portfolio of projects, the main challenges encountered on the ground, and prospects for improvement.

The tour continued in Ouanaminthe with a visit to the National Migration Office (ONM) reception center for displaced populations, before proceeding to Fort-Liberté to observe the road rehabilitation work carried out in the Cité Nebert area. Discussions focused on the priority needs of the communities, the social impact of the interventions, and mechanisms for improving the operational effectiveness of the programs.

During this tour, Kesner Romilus, the Director General of FAES, also delivered a speech to representatives of the IDB, reaffirming the institution's commitment to strengthening transparency, administrative rigor, and the effectiveness of social projects for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations.

He noted that since 2018, the partnership between FAES and the IDB has enabled the mobilization of over $500 million through several programs that have already reached more than 650,000 beneficiaries across the country.

Despite a challenging national context marked by insecurity, mass population displacements, and logistical constraints, FAES intends to continue its mission to combat poverty and food insecurity with the ongoing support of the IDB. This tour in the North was an important step in strengthening relations between the two institutions, assessing progress made, and defining new avenues for action to serve Haitian communities.

HL/ HaitiLibre