Development in Haiti has been shrouded in ribbon-cutting celebrations, photo opportunities, hashtags, and press releases. While development celebrations in Haiti are not in and of themselves bad in their approach and goals, they have all too frequently become the end goal in what ought to be seen as a continuing process of development.

Clearly, the danger is that we become accustomed to confusing visibility with value, outcomes with optics. And if, from the outset, our benchmark for success is very low, then mediocrity is not only tolerated but becomes entrenched as the norm.

Performative Progress vs. Transformative Change

In almost every sector of Haitian society, from nonprofit to non-governmental and governmental spaces, promises and performances increasingly do not resonate with one another. No, it’s not just a question of resources; it’s a question of ethics.

When a school is built without teachers, or a clinic opens without medication, or poorly documented buildings are labeled as “earthquake-resistant,” are we really celebrating? These are not isolated incidents; they reveal a larger problem in how we measure our successes.

Too many organizations fall into the trap of “announce and abandon”; that is, they announce the project to the world, thank their donors, but subsequently forget about the maintenance, evaluation, and adaptation of the completed work.

Messaging Matters—So Does the Truth

Language has the power to change and define reality on many dimensions. When orgs inflate the effect rather than being specific in their language, they help build an ethos of dishonesty, whether or not they mean to. “Earthquake-resistant,” “transformational,” and “systemic change” are not idle words to toss around as orgs use to assuage insecurity and fear among vulnerable groups and nations, as is the case in Haiti, where its history is marked by deceit and exploitation.

Ethical messaging doesn’t mean you avoid adversity or challenges. It means you tell the truth honestly and clearly. It means you’re transparent about your challenges but also celebrate your achievements realistically.

Challenging the Status Quo

There exists an unfortunate tendency within the Haitian development sphere where, so long as an action exists, we rarely ask the “how.” This environment tolerates mediocrity. We cannot allow that to be the case.

More than tokenistic measures, the populations in Haiti need safe housing, quality education systems, a healthy healthcare system, and solutions designed with, not just for, them.

Change is necessary not only for donors, media, and nonprofits; change is needed within ourselves. Time to move past this thing called ribbon-cutting and start prioritizing depth rather than display. Time to stop applauding effort and start demanding more. Time to stop engaging at minimum and start striving to reach further. Time to stop

Raising the Bar—Together

This is not at all about disbanding or “cancelling” an organization. This is about encouraging them to be more. To slow down, to dig deeper, to make ethical storytelling a priority, to take accountability, not as a threat, but as a lifestyle of respect.

Our progress in Haiti won’t be based on shallow victories. Our progress in Haiti will be based on truth, trust, and the strength to question not only others but also our own organizations and individuals.