Despite the significant differences, Garry Conille faces challenges similar to those Franklin Delano Roosevelt confronted when he assumed the U.S. presidency in 1932. Today's Haiti bears a striking resemblance to the distress experienced by the American people during the Great Depression of the 1930s, a time when they had lost their bearings. The future appeared bleak, and the hope of regaining prosperity (in our case, security first) had reached its nadir. Roosevelt's inaugural speech on March 4, 1933, with its resolute and almost messianic tone, heralded a crusading spirit. History remembers his famous line, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," as a testament to his optimism.

Personally, more than the aphorism above, I have always favored the following passage, which better highlights the vigor with which he intended to tackle adversity and which should be the credo of Prime Minister Conille and the directive to his ministers: "There are many ways in which the task can be made easier, but it cannot be done simply by talking about it. We must act, and act quickly." I listened attentively to his policy statement, despite occasional inaudibility in the broadcast. It is an ambitious program, perhaps too ambitious for a transitional government. His speech, although charming, would have more effectively allayed the Haitian people's fears had it clearly outlined a path to escape our tragic daily reality.