Optimism in Haiti following Prime Minister Lamothe's confirmation

After nearly three tense months since former Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille's resignation, last week the Haitian Chamber of Deputies overwhelmingly approved, 62 to three, President Michel Martelly's nomination of Laurent Lamothe as the new prime minister.

Haitian businessman, Jacque Josephe, said he is very relieved about Lamothe's final approval.

"My country is poised for growth, but there have been too many delays," says Josephe. "Martelly has had a rough year, including health issues, but, thank God, he has recovered and now having Lamothe, a bright, respected administrator to lead the government, the country's economic and redevelopment programs should move ahead."

"We are all praying Lamothe will now make a big difference," says another Port-au-Prince businessman, Louise. "His appointment brings hope, especially as he is a successful international businessman."

As prime minister, Lamothe, a former telecommunication entrepreneur and resident of South Florida, will also head Haiti's earthquake reconstruction organization. His top priority is working with the international community to collect some US$2.5 billion committed to the reconstruction process, and re-launching delayed projects.

In an interview with the Associated Press shortly after his confirmation, Lamothe said he would focus on reducing Haiti's poverty, rebuilding damaged public buildings, restoring the population's confidence in the government, and relocating the 400 thousand plus people still living in tent camps into secured housing.

"He is young, and I understand he is approachable," says Cherree Duval, a Haitian nursing student in Miami. "He should have the interest of thousands of Haitian young people to find educational and job opportunities."

Within hours following Lamothe's confirmation, Martelly signed a presidential decree formally naming Lamothe as prime minister. Josephe thinks this unusual haste is a sign that Martelly wants Lamothe "to hit the ground ready and running."

Lamothe's approval followed after much public pressure against the Chamber of Deputies, including from former U.S. President and UN special envoy to Haiti, Bill Clinton. Lamothe will still need the cooperation of the Haitian Legislature to approve his plan for government and the members of his Cabinet.