The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) arrived in Haiti in preparation for a virtual meeting among regional leaders on Tuesday.
The focus of the meeting was to address Haiti’s escalating socio-economic and political challenges.
Steering committee headed by Caribbean luminaries
Spearheaded by Dr. Kenny Anthony, the former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the EPG also included other influential Caribbean figures like Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Perry Christie, the former Prime Minister of the Bahamas.
The delegation is expected to stay in the country until September 10, actively engaging with multiple parties to find common ground for political stabilization and democratic advancement in Haiti.
More on Haiti’s gang violence
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Broad engagement prior to virtual meeting
Before the virtual meeting, the EPG has been thoroughly connecting with various societal factions within Haiti.
Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of Dominica and current CARICOM chairman, noted that the group has been having comprehensive dialogues. These conversations extend beyond Haiti’s borders, involving international organizations like the United Nations, as well as stakeholders in the United States and Canada.
Looming recommendations for political consensus
Reports in Port au Prince are that the EPG should submit a document to the stakeholders for a possible political agreement which includes the balance of powers between the executive actors, the inclusion and the responsibility of the High Transitional Council, the Control Body of the Government action, a government of national unity and the operations of the Council of Ministers.
Haiti’s plea for International assistance
In a related development last year, Haiti’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry, sought international help to quell gang violence in the country.
He issued an urgent appeal to the UN for the deployment of a specialized armed force to counter the rising tide of gang warfare.
More on global assistance for Haiti
- Haiti’s gang violence: Rights group pleads for swift international intervention
- Bahamas to deploy 150 police officers to Haiti amid violence
- Jamaica’s PM calls on EU amplify funding for Haiti’s humanitarian crisis
- UN Secretary-General says Haiti urgently needs international security force and humanitarian aid
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