Canada has imposed sanctions on two Haitian “elites” in response to acts of significant corruption that are fueling the political and economic crisis in the French-speaking country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, said Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations on Charles Saint-Rémy, a businessman and associate of former president Michel Martelly, and former member of parliament, Arnel Bélizaire.
“Canada is continuing to fight against corruption in Haiti by imposing more sanctions against elites who are supporting the criminal gangs that are terrorizing the country. Canada will continue to work with the international community to support the people of Haiti so they can emerge from this crisis and restore peace and security in their country,” Joly added.
The sanctions impose a dealings prohibition on them, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada. These individuals are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, she said.
Canada said it has reason to believe these individuals are using their status as high-profile elites in Haiti to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through drug trafficking and other acts of corruption.
“These gangs and their supporters continue to terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in the country that includes the resurgence of cholera. They are also committing unspeakable violence against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services and humanitarian aid.”
Canada said the sanctions it has imposed are intended to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing violence, including widespread sexual violence, and instability in Haiti.
“These people must stop providing funds and weapons to criminal gangs in Haiti. Canada condemns the weaponization of sexual violence in Haiti that is devastating the lives of so many across the country.”
Canada and the United States have over the past few months placed sanctions on a number of Haitian politicians, including Joseph Lambert, former Senate president, Louri Latortue, accusing them of abusing their “public position by participating in corrupt activity that undermined the integrity of Haiti’s government.
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