In 2008, in the midst of the global food crisis, we travelled to Haiti to look at the politics of rice – how such a fertile country became dependent on food aid. In the wake of this current disaster, that dependence is – initially – going to deepen. But as relief efforts slowly turn to plans for reconstruction, it is important to look back at the policies that brought Haiti to the brink in the first place, and the people who had their own vision of self-sufficiency all along. Avi Lewis talks about the US role in the development of Haiti with PJ Crowley, the spokesman at the US state department, and Emira Woods, the co-director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies and an expert on US foreign policy.

Needs Vs. Wants

The adventure began in 1786 when John Molson brewed his first beer using the highest quality barley that he brought back from England. Over two hundred years later, the Montreal brewery that he founded is still the oldest on the continent. A successful entrepreneur with a focus on social responsibility, John Molson was dedicated to improving the world, in particular, by building hospitals and railways. Today, Molson’s commitment to crafting world-class beer remains unchanged. Brewed with pure Canadian water and the finest ingredients, it is an easy drinking premium lager that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness with a slightly hoppy bitterness and medium body for a smooth, refreshing finish. An extremely versatile beer, it pairs exceptionally well with spicy cuisines such as Thai and barbeque.