A Development Dilemma in Haiti

In this new episode, School of International Service professor and anthropologist Scott Freeman joins Big World to discuss development, displacement, and international aid in Haiti.

Freeman, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development, and Health, begins our conversation by explaining the background of the 2011 Caracol Industrial Park development project that displaced more than 400 Haitian families (2:20). Freeman also explains how the displaced families reacted (6:02) and discusses what their eventual agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank entailed (8:47).

What compensation or settlements were offered in the agreement (10:15)? Why did it take so long to reach an agreement (13:20)? Freeman answers these questions and discusses the lasting impact of a flawed process on families that are still awaiting compensation (18:51). Freeman concludes our conversation by discussing the lessons learned from this situation, and how similar ones can be prevented in the future (21:43).