The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is continuing its efforts in Haiti through the work of three former prime ministers who were appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to facilitate the Community’s good office role in the country.
The ongoing mission is taking place as Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and interim prime minister remain in place.
The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) consists of former prime ministers Dr. Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and Perry Christie of The Bahamas. These leaders have been actively engaging with Haitian stakeholders to assess the current political climate and provide guidance as the country navigates its transition.
H.E. Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the TPC, provided an update during the 47th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in Grenada. He revealed that the TPC is preparing to implement a transitional electoral system that will enable Haiti to hold general elections by the end of 2025. Additionally, a nationwide constitutional review process has been initiated to redefine the relationship between the state and the populace.
Leblanc Fils acknowledged the challenging situation in Haiti, marked by gun violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other areas. “It is our aim to remove Haiti from this situation,” he stated, expressing gratitude to CARICOM, Kenya, the Republic of Benin, Jamaica, and other partners for their cooperation in the Multi-national Security Support Mission currently operating in Haiti.
The Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the CARICOM meeting highlighted the arrival of approximately 400 security personnel from Kenya to support the UN Security Council-authorized Multi-national Security Support Mission. It also noted the shortfall in funding for the deployment of additional security personnel from CARICOM Member States.
