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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today issued the following statement regarding the three year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti.

“Saturday marks a solemn anniversary for the people of Haiti, and it serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to aid the victims of the devastating earthquake of 2010. For many impacted by this disaster, the last three years have brought steady improvements. But for many more, this anniversary serves as a painful reminder of unfulfilled promises and an uncertain future.

“A year ago, my wife Jeanette and I had the opportunity to visit Haiti and meet with President Martelly and then-Prime Minister Conille, as well as many business leaders and school children. I saw the great work being done to clear the provisional tent districts and return Haitians to stable neighborhoods. Much work remained ahead, but steady progress was underway to repair the lives and communities that had been torn apart.

“Now, after the expiration of another year, we are faced with harsh realities. Tent districts have been replaced by overcrowded slums, recovery efforts seem to have stalled, and the Haitian economy remains crippled. These trends must be reversed. The Haitian government must do all in its power to foster real private sector economic growth, which will reduce the nation’s dependence on a dwindling supply of foreign aid. Advancing land titling, clearing property rights, and renewing a commitment to judicial reform would all sow the seeds of a lasting, self-sustained recovery.

“To many Floridians, those who suffer are family, friends and former neighbors. As a representative of all Floridians, and as someone who cares deeply for the people of Haiti, I pledge to continue cooperating, supporting and assisting Haiti in its recovery efforts. I encourage renewed and sustained interest in the cause of getting Haiti back on its way to a full and prosperous future.”