Haiti Webinar

On October 22, 2024, the Perry Center hosted another insightful installment of its 2024 Webinar Series, titled “Rebuilding Haiti: Pathways Out of Crisis.” The event featured three distinguished guest speakers: Johanna Leblanc, Partner at Adomi Advisory Group and Adjunct Professor at Howard University; Dr. John Manza, Director of the Haiti Interagency Working Group for the US Government; and Mr. Websder Corneille, a Perry Center graduate and Adjunct Lecturer in Haitian Studies at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Together, they shared their perspectives on Haiti’s complex challenges in 2024 and explored potential solutions for the nation’s recovery. The discussion began with an examination of the root causes of Haiti’s ongoing crisis, focusing on the intertwining issues of political instability, economic struggles, and escalating security concerns. The experts analyzed the devastating impact of gang violence on daily life, the collapse of democratic institutions, and the widespread humanitarian crisis, which has left millions of Haitians facing food insecurity. Throughout the webinar, the panelists addressed the role of international aid and intervention in supporting Haiti while emphasizing the importance of the Haitian diaspora’s contributions. They discussed innovative approaches to rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and economy, highlighting opportunities for long-term recovery and growth. The webinar was attended by approximately 270 participants and was moderated by WJPC Professor Dr. Arturo Sotomayor.

Ecuador Webinar

On December 3rd, 2024, the Perry Center wrapped up the 2024 Webinar Series with “Combating Organized Crime: The Role of the Armed Forces in Ecuador” in which it explored Ecuador’s strategic response to the current rising insecurity and violence, mainly focusing on the military’s role under a declared non-international armed conflict framework. The webinar was moderated by the WJPC Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. William Godnick, and featured Captain Miguel Andrade-Vasquez from Ecuador’s Ministry of Defense and retired Brigadier General Juan Carlos Gomez from Colombia. The topics discussed ranged from the evolution of organized crime in the region to transnational influences and public security measures, emphasizing a need for multifaceted approaches.

Following the webinar, the Ecuador Chapter, represented by Jorge Geovanny Meza Morales, Maria Lorena Villavicencio Tacuri, and Blanca Susana Rivera Lucin, hosted a post-event analysis and discussion, where participants shared their perspectives and potential solutions. Captain Andrade-Vasquez also participated, answering additional questions from the participants – his presentation is also available for download.