In a historic move that marks a shift toward collaborative public sector governance in Haiti, the National Old-Age Insurance Office (ONA) officially launched its recurring monthly ONA Assizes on Friday, May 22, 2026. Headed by ONA Director General Lovely Francois, the inaugural gathering brought together more than 90 frontline inspectors and screening specialists under one roof, a unprecedented level of cross-team engagement in the institution’s recent history.
Far from framing the event as a routine administrative check-in, Francois emphasized that the monthly Assizes represent a deliberate, values-driven vision for the institution: one centered on open internal dialogue, reconciliation, and collective alignment to better serve the Haitian public. The initiative was designed explicitly to dismantle barriers between leadership and frontline staff, creating a structured, safe space where no employee voice is overlooked and no concern relevant to institutional improvement is brushed aside.
Over the course of several hours of open discussion, participants spoke candidly about the realities of their day-to-day work. As core contributors to ONA’s two critical functions — collecting insurance contributions and vetting affiliated companies — these frontline workers shared detailed insights into operational bottlenecks, logistical shortfalls, unmet support needs, and on-the-ground challenges that are often invisible to senior leadership. Alongside these challenges, attendees also outlined clear expectations, innovative proposals, and shared ambitions to build a more effective, resilient ONA. Every contribution was received with intentional seriousness, aligning with Francois’ commitment to inclusive decision-making.
Senior leadership reaffirmed a core conviction driving this initiative: no meaningful, lasting reform of ONA can succeed without full participation from frontline employees, a nuanced understanding of on-the-ground realities, and intentional investment in the institution’s human capital. Going forward, the monthly Assizes will be held on the last Friday of every month, giving all staff regular access to a platform to share perspectives, raise concerns, and actively shape the future of the institution they will pass on to the next generation of public servants.
The ONA Assizes are also slated for gradual national expansion, ensuring that every ONA employee across the country — regardless of their job title or level of responsibility — can join the open exchange of ideas focused on collective growth and institutional improvement. This launch comes at a time when public institutions across Haiti and the broader region are facing growing pressure to strengthen engagement with their workforces and improve service delivery. By prioritizing internal listening as a foundation for transformation, ONA is positioning itself as a trailblazer for responsive public sector governance in the country.