Friday, February 4, 2022 ((rezonodwes.com))– One of the points that must be brought to light is the Elegance of the Montana Accord. For many years, Haitians were criticized for their brashness and lack of compassion associated with the « winner takes all » mentality.
The governance of the country along with the conduct of the affairs of the State were never widely shared or distributed among politicians in a convivial harmony of good living as brothers and sisters.
We long for brotherhood in the slogan « L’Union fait La Force ». In politics, we seem to treat with each other as ennemis once we have achieved power. And we do it indiscriminately and without mercy.
In its last version, the Montana Accord was slightly modified to include a presidency (and not a single president) to run the transitional government. That was done apparently to prevent the traditional conflict that happened between the offices of the presidency and that of the prime minister in all administrations since the beginning of the application of the 1987 Constitution.
In a transitional period that is intended to be truly a rupture, the last thing to worry about would be a blockage of the country due to a conflict between the two heads of the executive branch of the government.
How catastrophic that would be! So, until the matter of cohabitation between the head of the State and the head of the Government is officially settled by a national conference and a constitutional amendment, it is prudent to resort temporarily to a formula that would prevent this recurring conflict from happening.
One can then understand the logic of having a presidential council (A TEAM) directing the affairs of the State rather than one single individual (apre dye) making unilateral decisions and vassalizing, as usual, the office of the prime minister.
But here comes the elegant part of the Accord.
Surprisingly, a seat is reserved in the presidential council for a member to be designated by Ariel Henry. At first, this might seem akward and our vendictive instinct might quickly push us to a « No way!!! ».
But after calmimg down our nerves and regaining our good sense, we come to the realization of the incredible vitrue that is carried through this elegant approach. The symbolic message here is « You are my brother; you are welcome back in; I am not going close the door and leave you out no matter what ».
This deparure is new in Haitian politics. It is about putting humanity, dignity and patriotism first and above everything else. A great lesson in humility is being given to the Haitian Society by the folks of the Montana Accord.
This shall become even more useful when comes the time to heal the scars of divisions and damages that such associated mentality as « mache pran yo », « sak pa kontan anbake », etc. have caused to this nation.
To sum up, the Montana Accord put emphasis upon: 1) TEAM WORK; 2) HUMILITY.
No more winner takes all. No more doing it alone. An olive branch is generously sent by the folks of Montana to Ariel Henry. That is class; That is a true rupture; a new departure from traditional Haitian politics! Long live Haiti!
Have a blessed day.
L. Bayas