Häiti  chits are virtually unknown as a wide variety of different denominations and types of banknotes have usually been available throughout its turbulent history. I recently received images of two chits that were prepared for the United Nations authorized 1994-95 USA invasion and occupation of Häiti. This was the first time the UN authorized military force to restore democracy in a country and involved 20,000 US military personnel and 5,000 personnel from other nations..

As with many US military actions, this one was called Operation Uphold Democracy. Its purpose was to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coup d'état that overthrew the elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The US military units were staged both in the US, Puerto Rico and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Prior to the invasion, former US President Jimmy Carter and retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell got the Coup leaders of Haiti to step down and permit the elected government to return to power. As a result the military mission was changed to a peace-keeping and nation building operation. President Jean Bertrand Aristide returned in October of 1994 after 3 years in exile and finished his elected term.

Little is know about the purpose of these two chits and why they were never issued. They were apparently prepared for the use by a PSYOP US Army camp unit in Häiti. Their purpose is thought to have been to pay civilian workers at this camp where they were printed. Since they were not issued, it would appear that the PSYOP unit realized that Haiti Gourdes were readily available during this crisis period and Gourdes were available to pay civilian camp workers. The above two chits are for sale from an IBNS member who you can contact directly (see below).      GSE 26.1.2016