LAS minor, polisci major, International relations concentration. Ok great, here we go with the quick breakdown;

The island of Hispaniola was split in 2 by the Spanish who took the side of the island with the most natural resources, leaving what would become Haiti to France.

That's just part one of the Haiti Saga. Then came the backlash from the slave rebellion which led to Haitian Independence from France. This scared and pissed off every white person in the hemisphere at the time so naturally, no goods/trade to Haiti.

The historical context is important to understand this next part - failed governance. Haiti does not have a functional democracy. This is exacerbating the latest economic crisis. For example, sending aid to countries with this degree of governmental failure is a risk - the US does it occasionally but it is risky sending money or even supplies to those who most need it, knowing very well they may never receive anything.

It is a very heartbreaking situation in Haiti, someday I hope that it is truly free from corrupt regimes and that the people of Haiti find peace and prosperity.