CARICOM heads commit to playing leadership role in Haiti crisis

THE Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), at their 44th Regular Meeting in The Bahamas have reiterated that the community must play a leadership role in addressing the deteriorating situation in Haiti, a member state of the community, towards which there are moral and political obligations.

This is according to a CARICOM statement which was released on Friday.

According to the release, the heads “affirmed that decisive action is needed at the earliest opportunity by CARICOM in view of the mounting insecurity and its widespread impact on all facets of Haitian life.”

It added that the heads were joined in part of their discussions by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.

The Heads of Government acknowledged the adoption of the December 21, 2022, political agreement, the National Consensus for an Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections, launched by the Interim Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, but were of the view that it needed to be more inclusive.

In this regard, they have agreed to convene an early meeting of stakeholders in Jamaica.

They have also agreed to participate in a meeting to be convened in Haiti with Haitian stakeholders, to assist in the development of a plan to restore security and the rule of law.

The Heads of Government noted the various forms of security assistance provided by the Government of Canada and placed emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police to protect the general population from criminal activities, the statement said.

It added that the Heads of Government have agreed to build international partnerships in support of efforts to return Haiti to peace and stability as a necessary precursor for free, fair and credible elections.