Good morning everyone,

Tomorrow is the big day! Mr. Preval will be officially installed as the President of Haiti.

The streets are clean! the air is fresh and the people are excited! High hopes seem the concensus of everyone that I have spoken with concerning the question .. What do you think about the future of Haiti?

Mr. Preval has quietly visited many other countries gaining momentum, respect and promises of help for Haiti. Already, there are changes which will become effective May 15th. Changes that are in the interest of the people, changes that will eradicate a lot of corruption, changes that will provide a check and balance in the functioning of the government. Competition has clearly taken its place as there are cell telephone businesses competing, price wars are surfacing, people are benefiting - prices are becoming controlled. I expect that pretty soon, there will be price wars between other businesses and especially the supermarkets which will be wonderful for the people. Right now prices are so uncontrolled that some businesses have price differences as much as $10-$15+ for many items. Haiti has never had competitive situations or activities in the business market. As far as I know, this is a first and in my opinion very good and extremely healthy because we all know that competition improves quality of goods and services.

When I ask people what they would like to see changed, the answers were unanimous and in the following order: (1) Security and decrease in corruption, (2) adequate electricity, (3) lowered prices for food and gasoline - NOTE: Gasoline was $36.80 just last week and it is now $40.00 per gallon; and, (4) assistance in means to educate their children.

What do I think? I personally think that this is the beginning of positive change for Haiti - change in abundance. I am optimistic and encourage for several reasons. First, Mr. Preval has already served as president of Haiti and he has an advantage of knowing what it is like to be president. He has tasted the good and the bad, the ups and downs. He left the post of presidency with respect and dignity and now he has the opportunity to serve again and I think he will use his past experiences to make Haiti a wonderful country. Mr. Preval has tasted power and I think he will concentrate ONLY on what is good for Haiti and leave a legacy of positive acomplishments and positive change. It will be a first accomplishment by a president in the arena of democracy. Yep.... I think he will do just fine and I think Haiti will finally get its days of jubliee.

Mr. Preval's inauguration tomorrow will be greeted by jubilation on the streets of Haiti.....cheers of jubilation!

I pray for understanding and patience from everyone in Haiti. I pray for support for Mr. Preval and I pray for harmony and the ability to resolve problems among those that have these disagreements. I pray for success for this country and its people. I pray that everyone will not forget to praise God for where they have been, where they are and where they are going.

Bin