Diplomatic Community Urged to Lobby Governments in Support of Haiti

Diplomats in Jamaica are being urged to lobby their governments for sustained support for the people of Haiti and to provide lasting solutions to the humanitarian, political and security crises in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, made the call while addressing members of the diplomatic and consular corps at the Ministry in Kingston on Wednesday (March 13).

“We ask that you engage your capitals as representatives to this region,” she urged.

She said it is important that the various countries that have been giving support to retore order in the French-speaking island State “remain committed”, as the crises have the potential to destabilise the entire region.

A transition agreement, coming out of a Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-led meeting in Kingston on Monday (March 12), is expected to set the country on a path of good governance, peace, stability and development.

Minister Johnson Smith thanked the many countries for their financial and other assistance to stabilise Haiti, noting that the commitment of Haitians, CARICOM and the international community is crucial in realising the objectives.

“We are appreciative because we believe it is critical, not only for the people of Haiti but the people of this region, that stability be returned to that country,” she stressed.

Lauding the ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and lasting solutions for Haiti and the role being played by the Jamaican Government, United States (US) Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Nick Perry said, “it is of monumental help, and I am sure that the people of Haiti are appreciative”.

The Ambassador said he anticipates that the agreement by the Haitian stakeholders will be successful and “we look forward to continued collaboration in reaching a goal that will result in peace and prosperity for the people of Haiti and the wider region”.

The briefing was part of Diplomatic Days 2024 activities, where newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners, took the opportunity to present their credentials to the Governor-General and Foreign Affairs Minister and for non-resident Heads of Mission to visit the island.