Despite an overwhelming amount of donations and support that poured in from the local public, many aid workers are still concerned not enough has been done for Haiti.The Royal Gazette asked several key players in the relief effort to share their hopes and concerns one year after an earthquake thrust the country into the international spotlight.Haitian Wesly Guiteau, who has lived and worked on the Island for more than five years, said he is “cautiously optimistic” that his homeland can rebuild.Mr Guiteau said the natural disaster last January 12 crippled an already frail infrastructure.But, he said, a new generation of his countrymen capable of leading the country to a new and brighter future has risen from the debris.“A lot of Haitians still love their country and want to get involved with the political process and the reconstruction efforts.“I am optimistic because of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Haitian people, yet to be exploited.“I am also a realist knowing the country doesn’t have the resources it needs to build itself up.”He said he didn’t think that people had forgotten about Haiti, but said there were other disasters around the world that have also demanded attention.“Haiti was still the biggest and international response is still lacking. And I think because the only time Haiti is in the news is to report on national disasters or political crisis and so naturally people assume a sense of hopelessness.“Few people for example, know the enormous strides made from 2006 up to the earthquake,” he said, adding that the country’s economy has risen by three percent GDP annually between 2006 and 2009.Still he said international aid groups needed to encourage self-sustainability and many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) had taken the place of government over the last few decades.“What is needed is serious investment in infrastructure and intellectual capital to help build lasting institutions capable of running the country beyond foreign aid,” he said.Emergency Room doctor at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital Tiffany Keenan runs a medical clinic in Jacmel, in the southern part of Haiti. She was also optimistic the country could bounce back from the disaster.“There is potential because of the will of the people and there are a lot of Haitians that want to see their country change and prosper and grow. It is moving in baby steps but I think it will change.“Definitely not enough has been done. I really wonder about the large multi-national NGOs where the money has gone because you have about $1 million [donated] here and there, but it doesn’t equate to what has happened on the ground in terms of the response.“There are still a million people living in tent cities. It is still very minimal change compared to what was promised to the people. But the large organisations that are supposed to have money I don’t think they have proven themselves.“I think transparency is a key issue in terms of where the money has gone and where it has been spent,” she said.Doctor Chris Johnson, who went with a ten-strong team of medical professionals to provide emergency care to disaster victims in Cap Haitien, also spoke of his long-term hope for the country.“I want Haiti to find its way back to the richness and vibrancy that it held in the 18th century when it was known as ‘the pearl of the Antilles’.“I want infrastructure, secondary and university education for the children of Haiti. I want a stable government with smooth transitions between them.“I wish for Haiti safe housing able to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. I hope for clean water, and an independent judiciary and acceptable rule of law for the people of this section of Hispaniola. Finally, I pray for peace and happiness for this country that so desperately deserves it.”Humanitarian Philip Rego who runs a charity in the north of Haiti, said his hope was to make a difference in the country, one life at a time.He said his newly-opened school, Feed My Lambs Academy, was teaching a new generation of young people to speak English and master trades like mechanics, sewing, welding and carpentry.“This year we have two kids that will complete high school in June and hopefully will move on to higher education. I have other boys that are studying their GED books and are hopeful to finish school earlier so they can move on to university or take on a trade.“We are moving forward as best we can with all the challenges that we encounter and hope to make a noticeable difference in the lives of many of the people we minister to.”