Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has expressed concern over the sluggish international response to the crisis in Haiti and called for urgent action during a recent news conference.
Skerrit emphasized the need for a high-level meeting similar to the recent summit in Jamaica, stressing the severity of the situation in the French-speaking Caribbean nation.
Urgent need for international support
Skerrit highlighted the pressing need for international assistance in resolving Haiti’s political and socio-economic challenges.
He criticized the lack of decisive action from the international community, underscoring the gravity of the situation compared to other global crises.
CARICOM’s efforts and challenges
From the CARICOM perspective, Skerrit outlined ongoing efforts to facilitate a Haitian-led solution to the crisis.
He emphasized CARICOM’s role in providing logistical support and fostering dialogue among various stakeholders within Haiti. Despite these efforts, Skerrit expressed frustration over the slow progress and the reluctance of some nations to offer meaningful support.
Hope for transitional council
Skerrit discussed the potential establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti, which could pave the way for stability and democratic governance.
He noted Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry’s willingness to resign once the council is formed, signaling a potential shift toward resolution.
International involvement and security concerns
Skerrit mentioned Kenya’s agreement with Henry to deploy a UN-sanctioned international force to restore peace and security in Haiti.
However, he suggested that the deployment might hinge on the establishment of the Transitional Council and the appointment of a new prime minister.
Call for immediate action
Expressing urgency, Skerrit urged swift and decisive action from the international community, emphasizing the deteriorating situation in Haiti.
He proposed convening another high-level meeting to assess progress and determine further steps to support Haiti effectively.
UN appeal for humanitarian aid
In parallel, the United Nations highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Haiti, with only a fraction of the required funding received.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stressed the urgent need for additional support to address the escalating needs on the ground.
Humanitarian response amidst challenges
Despite the challenging circumstances, humanitarian organizations continue to deliver aid in Haiti. Efforts include providing water, hot meals, and psychosocial support to affected populations.
However, the healthcare sector remains under strain due to shortages of medical supplies and personnel.
