This keynote conversation departs from Haitian sociologist Jean Casimir’s concept of the counter-plantation system, a framework he argues is essential for understanding Haiti’s resistance to colonial exploitation and its quest for economic autonomy. He emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and of reclaiming land and labour from the vestiges of plantation economies, advocating for community-centred traditions and agricultural practices that prioritize local needs over global capitalist demands.

Conscious of the need to dedicate in-depth reflections on this concern, Casimir, Marlène L. Daut, and Célestin Monga map out the strategies of underdevelopment employed against the Haitian nations in the frame of post-colonial geopolitics. Together, the trio weaves a narrative of hope and resilience, envisioning a future where Haiti, supported by the various nations of the so-called Global South, can thrive through solidarity and self-sufficiency.

Expanding on the notion of the counter-plantation system and the urgency of building economic solidarities between African as well as other Caribbean nations, Casimir, Daut, and Monga delve into the intricacies of post-colonial economic structures and the potential for transformative change. In engaging with Haiti’s political history and present, this Bwa Kayiman session poses the question: what would Haiti’s economic situation be today if the world as a whole had recognized its debt to it?