SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2021 – Plant With Purpose, a humanitarian and environmental organization that has been supporting the people of Haiti since 1997 with a locally-led office of more than 38 staff, today expressed shock and sadness over the news of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and injury of the First Lady Martine Moïse.

Plant With Purpose has been following the unrest in the nation very closely over the past several years even prior to its sharp escalation in early June 2021.

“Since July 2018, the country has faced a political and insecurity situation that Haiti has never known,” said the Plant With Purpose Country Director. “As of June 7, 2021, we advised our program staff and participants to stay at home for their safety as the situation continues to unfold.”

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas with nearly 1 out of 5 people in severe multidimensional poverty (UNDP and OPHI). Almost 90% of the rural population lives below the poverty line. A long history of widespread deforestation has left Haiti’s land degraded, leaving these farming families even more vulnerable.

Plant With Purpose partners with families across the country, reversing rural poverty by restoring watersheds and addressing the root environmental causes of poverty.

“We were active in Haiti during the 2010 earthquake and have seen the resilience of the Haitian people,” said Robert Morikawa, Director of International Programs for Plant With Purpose. “This is a devastating event, in recent history of escalating violence, economic and social upheaval.

“We are united in prayer and concern for the people of Haiti, and our staff and program participants,” Morikawa continued. “We grieve for the country and continue to stand with the people of Haiti.”