CARICOM’s response to the Haiti crisis ready to be supported by Guyana

Guyana is ready to fully support the regional and international response to the growing humanitarian, security and health crisis in Haiti, according to President Irfaan Ali.

It was revealed that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state has been facing a prolonged gang blockade of the Varreux terminal in the Capital City of Port-au-Prince. This has led to shortages of fuel and water.

Ali was speaking on the sidelines of a press briefing at the British High Commissioner’s residence on Tuesday.

The President stressed that discussions evolve at the level of CARICOM, and a multilateral approach will be taken on the issues facing Haiti.

“It’s just devastating to see what is going on there and the region has been assured of Guyana’s full support and commitment,” Dr Ali said.

The Head of State said that “there was a meeting at the UN Security Council yesterday, and there are some ongoing discussions between CARICOM and some of the players. let’s see what comes of that.”

Further on Monday evening, President Ali participated in a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting to discuss the situation in Haiti.

The Guyanese leader explained that all the CARICOM states are careful with how they handle the situation given the legal and other related issues.

“First of all, there are the legal issues, under what umbrella you are going because the UN does not agree to a peacekeeping force per se… so we don’t have that umbrella as yet,” he noted.

It was revealed that Guyana continues to support humanitarian efforts in a number of states facing difficulties. Additionally, Ali said support was provided to some areas in Africa, Pakistan and other states.