PM Holness Provides Interim Update on Haiti Mission
By: , February 28, 2023
Photo: Contributed
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre), makes a point during a meeting with stakeholder groups in Haiti on Monday (Feb. 27). The PM was part of a special CARICOM mission to the island. He is flanked by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (left), and High Commissioner from Trinidad and Tobago to Canada, Dennis Moses.
Photo: Contributed
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre), engages with Minister of Labour and Immigration in the Bahamas, Hon. Keith Bell (right), during a meeting with stakeholder groups in Haiti on Monday (Feb. 27). The PM was part of a special CARICOM mission to the island. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (second left). Listening are Minister of National Security of the Bahamas, Hon. Wayne Munroe (left); and High Commissioner from Trinidad and Tobago to Canada, Dennis Moses.The Full Story
Prime Minister Andrew Holness and a CARICOM delegation of leaders are at this hour convening high level talks with government officials and civil society in Haiti.
The leaders are hearing from the relevant stakeholders and determining a path towards consensus building for the restoration of political and security stability in Haiti.
The Prime Minister and the CARICOM leaders have so far had the convened meetings along with Canada on security.
They have also met with the High Transition Council and the Political Accord groups.
At this hour the CARICOM delegation is meeting with the Political Parties and Civil Society groups which will be followed by the Private Sector and religious groups.
Concerning the meetings, Prime Minister Holness said:
“While the meetings are ongoing, a common theme expressed by each group is the urgency of national security and the need to safeguard the Haitian population from gangs. Underpinning this is a call for organic democracy, institution building, structure and organization. CARICOM is anxious to play a role in the restoration of stability in Haiti and will be a strong advocate for support to Haiti, as well as a facilitator for the process of consensus building. We express solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters not only in words, but in deeds. We want to see Haiti fulfil its promise as the first free black nation and are committed to working with Haiti to find a path to a resolution.”
For their part, the stakeholders have welcomed this special mission and say they are comforted that CARICOM is listening and exploring ways to offer support both for political stability and national security.