Prime Minister Pierre-Louis

An interesting article on the new Prime Minister of Haiti. She sounds like a good woman, who means well - given Haiti's past, I can only hope she stays that way, and that nobody pulls a coup on her.

Pierre-Louis' task in Haiti: to revive a wounded nation - 08/18/2008 - MiamiHerald.com

Supporters point out that Pierre-Louis, who is fluent in four languages -- French, Creole, English and Spanish -- and holds master's and doctoral degrees from U.S. universities, can work anywhere. Instead, she has chosen to remain in Haiti.

In a public address recently to outline her general policies, Pierre-Louis said Haiti has no shortage of deeply rooted social and economic problems -- so many that during the difficult ratification process, she questioned her decision to accept the nomination by Haitian President René Préval.

''My decision was not triggered by the desire to hold a position,'' she told reporters. ``My decision is rooted deep inside my commitment to my country.''

Haiti watchers say that while Pierre-Louis has proved herself to be an effective leader and formidable contender, how well she does -- if given the chance to govern -- will depend on her ability to manage conflicts with Parliament, to which she is responsible.