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En HAITI | Michel Patrick Boisvert leads New Haiti Transitional Council
HAITI | Michel Patrick Boisvert leads New Haiti Transitional Council
(CARICOM Greater Georgetown, Guyana - Thursday 25 April 2024) - Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have welcomed the formal installation of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council led by Economy and Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert as interim prime minister.
In a statement today, CARICOM congratulated the members, whose formal installation of the Council took place at the Palais National this morning.
The formation of this council, consisting of nine members, is emblematic of a process driven by the Haitian people themselves, underscoring a collective commitment to charting a new course towards stability and development.
Michel Patrick Boisvert, center, who was named interim prime minister by the cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry, smiles after posing with members of a transitional council tasked with selecting Haiti's new prime minister and cabinet, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, April 25, 2024. Boisvert was previously the economy and finance minister. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
While this installation marks an important milestone, it is understood to be just the beginning of a complex journey towards rebuilding Haiti's governance structures and restoring its democratic foundations.
The CARICOM Heads of Government said they were “fully aware that today’s installation, albeit significant, is but one of many necessary steps forward in view of the daunting challenges confronting the Transitional Presidential Council and the people of Haiti.”
In pledging continued support, CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to assisting Haiti in its pursuit of constitutional order, democratic governance, and national sovereignty. The inclusive nature of the Council is seen as a positive sign, reflecting a concerted effort to ensure broad representation and participation in Haiti's political processes.
As the Transitional Presidential Council assumes its responsibilities, CARICOM stands ready to offer assistance and guidance, recognizing the historic significance of this moment and the profound impact it may have on the future trajectory of Haiti.
Moreover, CARICOM emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and solidarity in supporting Haiti's recovery efforts. The organization reiterates its commitment to working closely with regional and global partners to mobilize resources and expertise for the benefit of the Haitian people.
As Haiti navigates this critical juncture in its history, CARICOM remains steadfast in its support and solidarity, standing shoulder to shoulder with the nation as it strives to overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
Moreover, CARICOM emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and solidarity in supporting Haiti's recovery efforts. The organization reiterates its commitment to working closely with regional and global partners to mobilize resources and expertise for the benefit of the Haitian people.
Ariel Henry resigned Thursday as prime minister of Haiti, leaving the way clear for a new government to be formed in the Caribbean country, which has been wracked by gang violence that killed or injured more than 2,500 people from January to March.
In the meantime, Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on Thursday as a new council was sworn in to lead the country gripped by deadly gang violence.
A recent outbreak of violence forced officials to move the ceremony from the National Palace to the outgoing prime minister's office.
Mr Henry agreed to step down last month after armed groups blocked his return to the country. Gangs now control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
They have capitalised on the power vacuum left by the prime minister's exit and expanded their control over swathes of the country, which has effectively become lawless in places.
Mr Henry said he would resign after being prevented from returning from Kenya, where he had signed a deal to import a multinational security force in a bid to restore law and order. His resignation was formally presented in a letter signed in Los Angeles, dated 24 April.
Nine members of the transitional council have now been sworn in, seven of which have voting powers. Mr Henry's finance minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert, will serve as the interim prime minister.
Mr Boisvert said the country was at a "crossroads" in its search for solutions to overcome the political crisis, which was harming the population, property and infrastructure.
The council will try to restore order and democratic rule in Haiti, and is backed by other Caribbean nations and the US.
It will set the agenda of a new Cabinet, form a national security council and appoint an electoral commission to pave the way to a vote.
Its non-renewable mandate will expire on 7 February 2026, when a new president is expected to be sworn in.
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