Future of Haiti

I don't really remember the very first time that I met this very special person but it didn't take us long to become friends. When I was here in 2009 for 6 months, he was often the one I called first when I needed a friend. I returned home in July of that year, and 2 months later, he came to live with my family. He has become a member of our family, easily, comfortably; our son, our brother. His name is Ewald Estanis. He was born in Haiti, March 17, 1985.

This blog is an interview I had with him....I would not be surprised if he became the Prime Minister of Haiti one day.

Where are you from?

I’m from Les Cayes; it’s in the South of Haiti and the third city of the county.

Work back ground? Favorite job?

I’ve been working as Radio Announcer since I was 14; I worked as an operator of data for the Organization of American States, translator for Healing Hands for Haiti and Administrative Assistant for the United Nations in Haiti.

Favorite job was working for the United Nations because of the diversity within the organization.

Where are you now?

Portland, OR - USA

What are you doing?

In school double majoring in Business Management and Law

What are your plans this year?

To take more classes and done with my AA degrees by winter term and finish writing my first book to have it published by summer 2012.

What are your long term plans / goals?

I’m hoping to get some more education and explore possibilities that I can bring back to my country. I will focus on doing business especially international trading with Haiti and other countries especially the US. This will create jobs and help many families to be able to send their children to school. I will also focus on education by looking for way to create a college or university like those in the US. I also have desire to run for office in the future, who knows.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 10 years?

In five years, I’ll be working hard to reach my goals. Finding my ways and start my projects.

In 10 years, I see myself as a very successful business and entrepreneur, an instructor and a humble citizen who’s giving back to his community.

How do you like Portland?

I love Portland and it will always be my second home.

How does it compare with Haiti?

Portland is very different from Haiti but in some aspect, they’re similar. PDX is a quiet town and in some ways it reminds me Les Cayes. It has a lot of great things to explore and the people around here are very friendly. The trees in Portland remind me of the south of Haiti and Roses parade reminds me of carnival or Haitian flag day.

What do you miss most about Haiti?

I miss the culture a lot, the people and my family.

What are some of the highlights of your stay in Portland to date?

The education here is very good. Portland is a very clean city and the pollution is totally inferior comparing to many places that I have been.

If you had to leave Portland today, what would you miss the most?

I will miss my second family who’s in Portland. I’ll miss the clean fresh air and all the fun and crazy times (Don’t even want to mention what they are, lol)

If you could choose any place in the world you wanted to visit it would be? Why?

It will probably be Italy especially Venice. I love the Italian culture, the way they dress and the language which I hope to learn in the near future.

If you could choose any place in the world to live it would be? Why?

I would choose my hometown Les Cayes. It’s a quiet city and there’s a lot that can be done in tern of business and investments. It has many opportunities for economic growth and development for the country.

What is your favorite food?

I love Haitian food of course but I really enjoy Italian food around here

What is your least favorite food?

With no offence, I don’t really like Vietnamese food, at least the ones I have tried.

What do you like to do for fun?

Reading, writing, basketball, soccer and going to the gym

What would you like people to know about you?

I’m just what they see. I like going straight to the point. I respect everyone but I’m afraid of no one.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of where I come from and my experiences in life because they help me grow with a better perspective about life especially not to take things for granted.

Belo or T-Vice? T-Vice

Wyclef or Sweet Mickey? Wyclef

Favorite non-Haitian music? RnB

Favorite Haitian music? Pou Haiti (Nou 2)

Carnival or Rose Parade Carnival? Carnival

Person you most admire? Why?

It would be my father for the man he was. I’m who I’m just because of him. With his life, he motivates me to always try to do better and never forget where I come from.

Favorite quote?

“The only time you should look down on a person is when you are helping them get up” - Jessie Jackson

Favorite color?

Black but I generally have no preference as soon as it looks good on me.

Favorite clothing?

That’s a hard one, lol… I would say it’s kind of a mix of Haitian, French, Italian and American style.

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it first, second and third?

1. Keep going to school and give that same opportunity to my siblings

2. Start my business to create jobs in my country and help my family as well

3. Open a language institute for kids in my hometown les Cayes

What do you see as the most important thing Haiti needs to move beyond its current state of being?

I think the most important thing we need for right now to start investing in the youth of this country. We need to educate our children because they represent the future of this nation.

Thank you for answering these questions. Please feel free to add any information that readers would find interesting; thoughts you would like to share.

You are very welcome. Respekte!