On behalf of the Canadian Foundation of the Americas (FOCAL) and the Inter-American Dialogue, we are pleased to share with you "Focus on Haiti," a special edition of the on-line journal FOCALPoint that highlights the challenges facing Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on January 12.  This issue draws together a diverse group of analysts, policy makers, development practitioners, and diaspora representatives to offer insights into how best to help Haiti rebuild in the months and years ahead, and includes three articles by Inter-American Dialogue scholars that examine the US-Haitian relationship, Haiti’s education system, and the importance of remittances.

We hope that you enjoy this contribution to new thinking about how to advance a more prosperous and sustainable future for Haiti.

Migration is one characteristic feature that has shaped Haiti's history and its people. However, over the past twenty years the influx of Haitians abroad has increased in larger numbers and impacted their home country's economy and society in various ways. This report looks at the impact of remittances and other economic practices on the Haitian economy, and how to create opportunities to leverage these funds for local development.

The document addresses the effects and opportunities that remittances and other migrant-based relationships have and provide in developing countries. The first part addresses the relationship between migration, development and remittances. The second part looks at global trends and at regional patterns in migration and remittances. The third part examines the role of hometown associations in linking migrants and committees of origin for rural development. Lastly the paper offers an analysis of policy alternatives and best practices linking remittances, migrant based donations, and other practices. The section provides cases worldwide, and presents the initiatives undertaken in several Latin American countries.