HAITI | CARICOM Eminent Persons Group Arrives in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, July 12, 2023 - The CARICOM Eminent Persons Groups (EPG), arrived in Haiti today, on a follow-up mission to the Stakeholders Meeting held in Jamaica last June.

The EPG comprising Former Prime Ministers Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, Perry Christie of The Bahamas and Bruce Golding of Jamaica will continue their meetings with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a Haitian-led solution to the multiple crises facing the country.

The Group was appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government last May to initiate and oversee the Community’s provision of Good Offices support in designated priority areas, including security, governance, the electoral process, and long-term development planning and advocacy. They will also liaise with key international partners and agencies.

During their three-day mission, the EPG will meet with groups who attended the Haitian Stakeholders Meeting held in Kingston, Jamaica, last June as well as stakeholders who were not at that meeting.

In the interest of the people of Haiti, the EPG has encouraged all stakeholders to continue their efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue, in order that consensus may be achieved, in a constructive, timely and peaceful manner on the path forward.

At their 45th regular meeting in Port of Spain, CARICOM Heads of Government deliberated over the complex crisis enveloping Haiti, and expressed their grave concern over the deep humanitarian, security and governance crises.

In that regard, they noted the need for the immediate creation of a Humanitarian and Security Stabilization Corridor under the mandate of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution, and agreed to seek support from international partners to help finance its establishment and the strengthening of security in Haiti.

The CARICOM Heads expressed the view that approaches should be made to Rwanda, Kenya and other willing international partners to support the strengthening of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the establishment of the corridor.

They welcomed the statement by the Prime Minister of Haiti that he will not seek election but will head a Transition Government to secure the arrangements to transition the country from the security and humanitarian crises until the holding of credible, free, and fair elections.

Heads of Government acknowledged that the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) will continue to work with the Haitian Government and stakeholders in their efforts to find a Haitian led solution to the crisis.