JUDE ELIE

The Rising Star in Global Politics

By Patricia Canole | Photography by Neil J Tandy

In the tumultuous world of Haitian politics, one name has been making waves and capturing the nation’s attention: Jude Elie. This charismatic and driven leader has emerged as a beacon of hope for many Haitians, promising to usher in a new era of progress, transparency and accountability.

Born in the South of Haiti in Les Cayes, Jude Elie’s journey to political prominence was anything but ordinary. Raised in a family that valued education and community service, he excelled academically from an early age. After completing his primary and secondary education, Elie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He then completed his master’s in civil engineering with a concentration in Urban Development. He continued his studies and obtained a post-master’s certificate in Executive Business Administration. He also holds a Ph.D. in Political Science.

During his university years, Elie became actively involved in student organizations advocating for educational reforms and better student body representation. His passion for social justice, safe housing, and equity and his ability to articulate complex issues earned him a dedicated following among his peers.

ENTRY INTO POLITICS
Elie’s political transition was a natural progression fueled by his desire to bring about meaningful changes in Haiti. During this period, Elie witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the Haitian people, from widespread poverty and lack of access to essential services to the rampant corruption and political instability.

Elie’s involvement in several national and international sessions lead to his tireless efforts to address Haiti’s pressing issues. His transparency, accountability, and economic development plans strike a chord with people worldwide as he presents the Haitian population’s weariness of broken promises and stagnation.

RISE TO PROMINENCE
Elie’s message of hope, integrity and innovative policy proposals elicit aspiration in the Haitian people. While he is working diligently to earn his place in the presidential seat, his imposing personality has already ignited a national conversation about the need for a new generation of leaders committed to transformative change.

We met Jude Elie recently, and he shared his views on life, politics and the state of the world.

What are your top policy priorities when elected?
Security will be my number one priority. Restoring confidence and law and order is essential for local and foreign investment to exit safely. When considering the current situation in Haiti, the entire nation should rightfully be seen as a top priority. However, it may not be practical to prioritize every aspect simultaneously. When elected, I will focus on addressing the most urgent needs through specific policies. They include Security, Economy, Education, Healthcare. I will make Haiti an agricultural heaven by bringing modern technology and capitalizing on Haitian and International investors’ knowledge and financial contribution. 

How will you address critical issues, including the Economy, Healthcare, and Education?
Haiti faces significant economic challenges. I plan to protect the weak and have the strong contribute without asphyxiating them. As soon as I take office, my strategy will involve collaborating with the central bank and the private sector to explore methods to facilitate small businesses’ access to loans. I will also support business development services that can help create jobs and generate economic activity.

As we strive for safety and better living situations for the Haitian population, the international community will be encouraged to provide continued assistance to Haiti. Many Haitians look forward to returning to their country of origin. The professional and technical knowledge they will bring back will lead to better education and, thus, better financial independence and self-reliance for the Haitian population.  

My administration will prioritize a thorough review of how funds from the Fond Nationale Education are allocated to education. This would involve improving teacher training programs, upgrading school infrastructure, and actively involving local communities in decision-making processes related to education.  

What is your long-term vision for the country?
My vision is quite simple: Restore pride and dignity to our people! Provide them with the fundamental rights of security, education, healthcare, and employment. And the right to vote! I envision every Haitian will have equal opportunities for success, irrespective of their social status.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first term?
I aim to revitalize the state institutions and strengthen the Haitian economy. Any government following mine will feel obliged to invest in Haiti’s development; this is why I have my secret plan that I dare to hold dear to me at this point and that I will make public in time. From now on, the Haitian people will have the leaders they deserve.

What motivates you and keeps you going, even in challenging times?
God is my foundation; He has never let me down. My people are my inspiration. I will never let them down. When considering Haiti’s socio-political and economic situation and the challenges faced by its people, the country requires a leader who embraces Haitians’ values and comprehends their hardships. Haiti calls for leaders capable of instigating a burst of pride. It needs leaders who break the chains of despair and turn the people’s creativity and energy into improving the well-being of this nation’s daughters and sons. We need leaders who restore hope.

Given our society’s discomfort, I believe nothing should be more urgent than helping the Haitian people understand that the future of our country is up to them. I want to catalyze the removal of the prevalent feeling of powerlessness and replace it with one of optimism. I will offer comfort, not with vain words, platitudes, and generalities, but with global, enlightened, solid, and resolute policies. I will hold myself and my administration accountable for their fate.  

For more information on Jude Elie, visit judeelie.com