Summary: The government should add a $1.50 fee to money transfers, order digital transfers via platforms like Zelle and Cash App to also collect the new fees, and use the extra revenue base to finance military and police enhancements.
The Haitian Government imposes a fee of $1.50 on all incoming and outgoing money transfers, regardless of the amount. Whether it’s a Haitian resident in Canada sending money back home or a local Haitian sending funds abroad, this fee applies uniformly. The government allocates revenue generated from these transfers to fund and provide free education for all Haitian citizens. Despite facing opposition and legal challenges, the policy has remained intact due to a lack of compelling arguments against it.
While education is undeniably crucial, Haiti is grappling with severe security challenges that demand urgent attention. The country desperately needs a better-equipped, better-trained, and more powerful military and police forces to tackle the escalating threats. Unfortunately, the government lacks the necessary financial resources to invest in training and equipment.
To address this critical issue, I propose increasing the money transfer fee by an additional $1.50, raising the total cost to $3. The extra revenue generated from this increase would be exclusively earmarked for purchasing vital equipment and funding comprehensive military training programs to enhance Haiti’s security capabilities.
Moreover, the new policy would target users of digital transfer platforms like Zelle and Cash App, who currently do not pay any fee. Under the proposed policy, the cost for all money transfers, irrespective of the platform used, would be $3 once approved and implemented.
This measure would be a a significant step towards addressing its security concerns while continuing to support its educational goals. It would also reduce the country’s dependency on foreign aid.
Bobb Rousseau
Law and Public Policy