Tom F. Driver - Dec 2003:

Oh, my beloved Haiti! You lit the torch of liberty from slavery. You carried the torch to victory. Two hundred years ago you became a new land, freed from the institution of slavery, freed from colonial stastus, free to sail the choppy seas of political life.

Or almost free. No country is an island. Money, gunboats, and machinations were arrayed against you. But your torch of liberty did not go out. It never has, never will. You are Haiti.

Oh, my beloved Haiti! You lit the torch of liberty, but have not yet lit the torch of peace. When I see you fighting against yourself, I grieve. All lovers of liberty grieve.

Oh, my beloved Haiti! Oh! Oh! Go to the waterfall and wash yourselves in peace.