Miami-Dade Commissioner greets U.S. Ambassador to Haiti at FIU lecture on island’s reconstruction

MIAMI – Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle welcomed U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten to a special lecture at Florida International University on September 13, 2010. The event on Haiti reconstruction featured Ambassador Merten discussing his experience during Haiti’s earthquake, as well as the U.S. government’s role in helping Haiti rebuild. Commissioner Rolle welcomed the ambassador along with Maj. Joseph Bernadel, U.S Army (Ret.).

Both Commissioner Rolle and Maj. Bernadel have been active in drumming up support for Haiti’s reconstruction, recently hosting fundraisers to establish a reforestation project that would provide sustainability for Haitian communities.

“Ambassador Merten’s report on progress in Haiti shows that work is being done, but reconstruction is far from over,” said Commissioner Rolle. “While the cleanup effort will take several years, it’s vital that we understand how to help Haiti in the long run so they are better prepared for disasters of this magnitude.”

(L-R) Major Joseph Bernadel, Interim Commissioner on the Reconstruction of Haiti, Ambassador Merten, Bernice Fidelia, Commissioner Rolle District Director, Com. Rolle, Ralph Latortue, Consul General in Miami.