Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, believes that the Haitian diaspora can play a catalytic role in Haiti's economic development. However, during the conference on Haiti's development, organized by U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick at the 53rd Legislative Conference of the Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 13, 2024, Gaspard stressed the need for honesty about the current disconnect between the diaspora and Haitian civil society. This transparency is essential for the diaspora to play a "more sophisticated role" in Haiti, similar to the Cuban diaspora. "I would like to see us with that same consistency. We must act as catalysts," he said, emphasizing that while remittances are beneficial, they are "scattered and not strategic."

Gaspard also called for decentralizing investments, focusing on areas outside Port-au-Prince. He highlighted Rwanda as a model of success, where international investments in microfinance have helped foster business growth. Rwanda faced its past and restored justice, Gaspard noted, contrasting it with Haiti, where international programs have been criticized for funding gang-related employment. This, he argued, encourages those involved in illegal activities. Gaspard called for an end to impunity in Haiti.