The National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) has partnered with the Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation (JDT Foundation) and New Jersey Haitian Student Association (NJHSA) Alumni to host a one-day symposium entitled "Haiti Investment and Education" on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Newark Museum (Billy Johnson Auditorium) in New Jersey from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The event is free to the public.

"The Haitian Diaspora represents an untapped resource for investment in Haiti so far. Amcham Haiti is the gateway to investments into Haiti, finding local partners, and meeting key government officials," said Philippe Saint-Cyr, MBA, the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti. "Amcham Haiti hopes to facilitate investments from the Diaspora that can represent millions in capital to fund current and new companies and provide thousands of jobs, especially outside of the Port-au-Prince area."

Over 200 professionals from the tri-state area and abroad, who represent leaders in their industries, are expected to attend the conference and discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist in the redevelopment of Haiti.

"The Haitian Diaspora represents tremendous opportunities for Haiti. Its combined intellectual and economic strengths offer the best chance to provide continued support and growth for the country," stated Dr. Marjorie P. Brennan, MD, the founder and executive director of the Joseph Dennis Thomas Foundation. "We plan to engage this large pool of passionate and committed individuals to help support education and investment in Haiti."

Topics will range from education and business to clean energy and agriculture. Featured speakers include: Philippe Saint-Cyr, MBA, the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti; Nathalie Liautaud, MA, the diaspora and investment outreach manager of the Pan American Development Foundation; Conor Bohan, the founder and executive director of Haiti Education Leadership Program (HELP); and Dr. Francois Pierre-Louis, City University of New York.

"Lack of access to education, from primary school to university, is one of the greatest obstacles to long-term social and economic development in Haiti. Conversely, there is overwhelming evidence that investment in education yields extremely high returns, both socially and economically," said Bohan. "This year’s NAHP conference is an important platform for connecting Haitian diaspora and friends of Haiti to promising investment opportunities in the for-profit and non-profit sectors."

HL/ HaitiLibre