On June 6th, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Haitian Diaspora Federation unanimously elected Retired U.S Army Major and former Military Attaché in Haiti, Joseph Bernadel, as the permanent representative of the Haitian Diaspora to a seat on the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (ICRH). On June 16, at the first ICRH Board meeting in Haiti, Haitian President Rene Preval acknowledged the choice of the Federation by signing Commission Orders that officially appointed Bernadel on the Commission. This position creates an official portal through which the Haitian Diaspora can communicate to key officials and contribute towards the efforts of the reconstruction of Haiti.

Following the OAS sponsored Haitian Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C., on March, 21-23, 2010; the Haitian Diaspora Federation was launched in the spirit of unity to create a voice of representation for Haitians throughout the world. Our task is challenging but achievable. The Haitian Diaspora Federation is prepared to assist and work in partnership with all concerned parties towards the reconstruction of our beloved Haiti. The Federation currently represents a broad range of organizations, professionals, businesses, community leaders, and individuals. In our commitment to be as inclusive as possible, we actively reach out to everyone in the international Haitian Diaspora community.

The selection of Retired U.S Army Major Joseph Bernadel is based not only on his exceptional experience and education, but primarily on his commitment and proven track record to promoting academic excellence and preventing youth delinquency within the Haitian community. His devotion to the youth was one of the reasons why he started in 2000 the Toussaint L’Ouverture High School for Arts and Social Justice in Delray Beach, Florida. (www.toussaintlouverture.org). A former athlete who represented Haiti at several international sporting competitions, Joseph Bernadel is a man of integrity, high moral values and compassion. With the assistance of an Advisory Council composed of highly qualified and experienced members of the worldwide Haitian Diaspora, our Envoy will serve Haiti and the Commission well.

We thank President Preval, Prime Minister Bellerive, President Clinton, Counselor Cheryl Mills and the International Community for recognizing the Haitian Diaspora’s contributions to Haiti and their effort to fully engage its resources in the reconstruction’s process.

Please visit our Website: www.myhdf.org.
For further inquiries, please contact: Diana Taylor: HDFCOMM@gmail.com
and/or Katleen Felix: 347 838-4156
June 25, 2010