CARICOM team to interface with Haiti, international community
(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) -Interim Prime Minister of Haiti, Hon. Ariel Henry, told the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), democracy is in decline and institutions are dysfunctional and collapsing in Haiti.
Interim Prime Minister Henry discussed the situation in his country with CARICOM Heads of Government during the Thirty-third Inter-Sessional Summit which was held 1-2 March in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Even as he bemoaned the dire challenges Haiti faced at this time, interim Prime Minister Henry underlined the urgency of the restoration of democracy and the constitutional framework through elections. This, he said, would address insecurity, and lay the foundation for future development of Haiti.
La question de l’insécurité a été largement débattue à la 33e Réunion de la @CARICOMorg. Nous en avons profité pour solliciter le soutien de l’Organisation à la lutte acharnée que nous menons contre ce phénomène.#Haïti
— Dr Ariel Henry (@DrArielHenry) March 4, 2022
The Communique issued at the conclusion of the Summit recorded the Conference’s concerns on the protracted political impasse in Haiti. This has led to a humanitarian crisis, mounting insecurity, which, according to the Communique, has “repercussions for the Region of escalating instability.”
CARICOM Head of Government requested from the interim Prime Minister, “clear direction” on the assistance required. During the discussion, interim Prime Minister Henry told Heads of Governments that CARICOM could assist in facilitating dialogue, addressing insecurity, building democracy, staging the elections, training the police, and with the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The Conference agreed that a CARICOM Team will be established to interface with Haitian officials and with the international community towards assisting the country.
The Communique recorded that Heads of Government stressed the importance of ensuring good governance, as well as the respect for the rule of law and human rights, as set out in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society. Heads also underlined the importance of including civil society in the process of dialogue on the way forward.
Heads of Government commended Guyana for its commitment to provide rice to Haiti in view of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Source: CARICOM TODAY