The parallel state: Neoliberalism in Haiti and the reliance on NGOs

In this paper, the author illustrates some pervasive consequences of the implementation of Neoliberal policies in Haiti. He argues that the implementation of neoliberalism destroyed the Haitian agriculture, provoked a massive rural-to-urban migration, and weakened the state by depriving it of the capacity to cater to the basic needs of the Haitian people. As the state is weakened, the Haitian population has begun to rely more and more on NGOs for public service delivery, particularly in the areas of education and health care. Moreover, the article stresses that NGOs’ relevance and importance have been increasing during the last three decades. This happens at such a level that they began to be seen as a parallel state.   Key words: NGOs, Neoliberalism, liberalization, depeasantization, parallel state.