Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-17) today issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti:
"It has been a tough and trying year for the Haitian people and many Haitian American constituents in my district. Today, we honor the memory of the more than 200,000 Haitians who died in last year's earthquake and all who have been affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people during this difficult period."
"At the same time, we recognize the more than 10 million survivors of the earthquake, many of whom are carrying on with their lives with courage and dignity despite seemingly insurmountable odds. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Haitian people. It is this spirit that should continue to inspire us to help our Haitian brothers and sisters in their long-term recovery.
"The work must continue to rebuild Haiti and help the Haitian people get back on their feet. Today, a full year after the disaster, there are over 800,000 quake survivors living in tents and temporary housing, as well as 4,000 lives lost in the recent cholera epidemic. The challenges before us are significant, but can be overcome with sustained and smart engagement from Haiti's leaders and the international community.
"As the representative of the most Haitian Americans in Congress, I am more determined than ever to continue advocating for the long-term stability and recovery of Haiti. Let this day encourage all of us to do our part for the Haitian people and not allow their memory and plight to fade away."
Rep. Wilson is commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Earthquake in Haiti through a series of events in her district. Yesterday night, she attended an interfaith prayer vigil – "Veillée Patriotique" – at the Manno Sanon Stadium in Little Haiti. Today, she will attend a service at MOCA Plaza in North Miami and observe a moment of silence at 4:53 p.m., the time the earthquake struck. She has also cosponsored a resolution introduced by Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) in observance of the anniversary.