Jamaica remains engaged as part of CARICOM’s response to the crisis in the Republic of Haiti, precipitated by the assassination of its President Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday, 7th July 2021.
Making a statement in the Senate on July 9, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith said Jamaica condemns the heinous incident and stands in solidarity and support with Haiti and its people, including members of the Haitian Diaspora in Jamaica.
“We continue to monitor the developments and remain willing to render assistance as we are able,” she said, noting that Jamaica, CARICOM and the wider international community, have been profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the assassination of President Moïse.
“We join with the international community and with Haitians at home and in the Diaspora, in wishing Lady Moϊse a full and speedy recovery, even as we mourn with her on the death of her husband,” she said.
Senator Johnson Smith said since the emergence of the most recent electoral crisis over a year and a half ago, relating to the term of office of the President and the holding of elections, CARICOM, especially at the level of Heads of Government, has consistently sought to engage Haiti.
Minister Johnson Smith said the assassination of the President has precipitated another level to the crisis and Heads of Government have expressed that calm and security are paramount at this time.
Senator Johnson Smith said as a mark of respect, all CARICOM Member States and the CARICOM Secretariat are to fly their national flags, as well as the CARICOM Standard at half-mast for a period of three days commencing from 7th July 2021.
Additionally, she said the flags will also be flown at half-mast on the day of President Moïse’s funeral which is to be announced.
Ms. Johnson Smith said the Interim Prime Minister- Dr. Claude Joseph has indicated that the electoral timetables which had previously been announced and which were supported by CARICOM and the wider international community, will be followed.
“We will continue to monitor developments in this regard,” she said.
She disclosed that members of the Caribbean Community, including Jamaica have also been working through the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, to ensure that attention remains focus on the electoral crisis in Haiti, that Haiti remains a part of the deliberations and that there is no outside imposition.
As it relates to the current situation in Haiti, she said that Interim Prime Minister, Dr. Claude Joseph has declared a 15 days “State of Siege” which commenced on 7th July 2021, following an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Senator Peter Bunting said the Opposition joins the Government in expressing condemnation of the assassination of President Moïse and a full and speedy recovery of Lady Moïse.
