Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 12 juillet 2023

 
Thousands flood the streets in South Florida to rally for Haiti as kidnappings, violence surge

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Miami Herald

Updated July 09, 2023 6:25 PM

Haitians take to the streets in Port-au-Prince to match for an end to gang violence and kidnappings. The march was organized by Miami pastor Gregory Toussaint, who organized similar marches across the United States and elsewhere.  By Video Courtesy: Johnny Fils-Aime

North Miami

More than 2,000 people filled the streets marching under sweltering heat in North Miami Sunday afternoon to rally in support for the people of Haiti and to protest ongoing gang violence, political instability and corruption.

“We are marching against violence, we are marching against kidnapping,” Anna Dorvilier, 40, from West Palm Beach, yelled waving a sign that read “If we are not on the table, we are on the menu.”

Chanting and singing “Jistis pou Ayiti” and “Souf pou Ayiti” — Creole for “Justice for Haiti” and “Relief for Haiti” — the crowds waved tiny Haitian flags and followed a tractor trailer truck with an elevated platform carrying dignitaries like Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, clergy and musicians 

“We are united for Haiti, and God’s ears are open today,” Levine Cava said. 

Dance and church music boomed over huge speakers towed by the truck and the people in back and ahead of the semi sang along. 

“We want everyone to hear our voices,” said marcher Mana Pierre-Louis, a 31-year-old who moved to South Florida from Haiti seven years ago. “We need a solution to Haiti now.”

The “Relief for Haiti” rally was organized by pastor Gregory Toussaint, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Glory Church in North Miami. Toussaint, who is CEO of Shekinah.fm. The North Miami was among several the pastor organized in major cities across the United States and in Haiti itself. He decided to organize a March after a petition drive to get support for a sanctions bill in congress garnered more than 100,000 signatures in a week. 

Toussaint’s goal was to bring together Haitians in the U.S., Haiti, Canada and France in an effort to bring awareness to the escalating gang violence and kidnappings in the Caribbean country, and demand something be done. 

CARDH : Two years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse

Two years after the assassination by Colombian mercenaries and former agents of the American secret services, aided by units of presidential security, the Haitian justice system is standing still, alternatively five investigating magistrates who have already been appointed in turn to investigate the case

The first four each had a reason to divest themselves. The last, Walter Wesser Voltaire, whose trial period has expired since 30 October 2022, decides to keep the file, in violation of the law on investigation and in contempt of the prosecutor’s office, jurisdiction of the prosecution for which he is investigating, and the dean, court administrator.

At the same time, the American justice is making great strides in its investigation. Rodolphe Jaar, one of 11 suspects detained in the United States, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 2 June 2023. The trial of the other suspects is scheduled for May 2024.

As a transnational crime and faced with the limits of Haitian justice (political, procedural, security, jurisdictional problems...) further weakened by the investigation of the American justice, another legal system (Common Law) having a large machine to exercise its extraterritorial powers, the case of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse should be dealt with by a special court or a special chamber for an effective justice. It is an obligation of international cooperation stemming from international morality and solidarity.

 To assist the Haitian authorities and international cooperation in exploring this option, this report presents the six existing hybrid tribunals: i) Extraordinary Chambers of Cambodian Courts; ii) Special Tribunal for Lebanon; iii) Tribunal for Sierra Leone; iv) special African chambers; v) special chambers for Kosovo; vi) special criminal court in the Central African Republic.

 An addition to this document, 15 reports and press releases published by CARDH on the issue are recommended.

S. Communication

CARDH

Centre d'analyse et de recherche en droits de l'homme

3, Rue Charlevoix, Bourdon (Port-au-Prince, Haïti)
(+509) 28 11 79 44

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www.cardh.org

SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS

OPEN SESSION

Briefing by Ms. María Isabel Salvador

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH

6 July 2023

Madam President,

Distinguished Members of the Council,

Tomorrow, 7 July marks the second anniversary of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The call for those responsible for this heinous crime to be brought to justice, continues. His assassination submerged Haiti into a deeper political crisis which has been exacerbated by an unprecedented breakdown of security, with criminal armed gangs imposing a regime of terror and violence in most parts of Port-au-Prince. This grave situation is compounded by the humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic crises the country is facing.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Comme le Secrétaire-Générale a dit lors de sa récente visite en Haïti : “Il ne peut y avoir de sécurité durable sans un rétablissement des institutions démocratiques – et il est impossible de parvenir à des solutions politiques pérennes et pleinement représentatives sans une amélioration drastique de la situation sécuritaire.”

Since my first briefing to the Council two and a half months ago, some progress has been made on the implementation of the 21 December Agreement, which defines the framework of our engagement with national authorities and other stakeholders.

Within this framework, the High Transitional Council organized a Forum in May which gathered representatives, from across the country, of the political, civil society and private sector, including non-signatories of the 21 December Agreement. The Forum provided an opportunity for all Haitian stakeholders to discuss key issues around constitutional and electoral reforms, good governance and socio-economic issues. The Forum adopted a Joint Declaration including a call for the deployment of a “robust international support to the Haitian National Police”.

As part of the Haitian political dialogue, I want to highlight the initiative of CARICOM, through its Eminent Persons Group, to organize last June a meeting of Haitian stakeholders in Jamaica, which brought together Prime Minister Henry, political parties, and civil society groups.

Upon his return from Jamaica, Prime Minister Henry committed to changes in the cabinet to make it politically more inclusive; to the enlargement of the High Transitional Council; and to expediting the submission of candidates for the Provisional Electoral Council. I hope these commitments soon materialize. Through my good offices I will spare no effort to continue supporting dialogue initiatives on the way forward.

As parties engaged on continuous dialogue, I look forward to the visit to Haiti of CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group in continued support to furthering inter-Haitian consultations under the auspices of the High Transitional Council. 

The Secretary-General’s solidarity and working visit to Haiti casts the limelight on the imperative of action by Haitians and the international community. The Secretary-General met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the High Transitional Council, a cross section of the political parties and civil society organizations. He impressed upon all the need to move forward with dialogue and his unwavering support for the deployment of a “robust international Force” to assist the Haitian National Police.

Among the people of Haiti, across the entire political spectrum, there is widespread backing for the deployment of such a Force. It is true that the talk of the presence of an international Force in Haiti, could elicit mixed reactions. Similar to what the Secretary-General heard during his visit to Haiti, I too have heard appeals, since my arrival, for international security support. The robust international Force that Haiti needs must complement and strengthen - not replace - the Haitian National Police, in full respect for Haiti’s national sovereignty. 

At the CARICOM Heads of State meeting this week in Trinidad and Tobago, when discussing Haiti, the Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need for a “robust international force authorized by the Security Council” and reiterated his call earlier today

While the political transition and the fight against gangs should remain on separate tracks, the two are inextricably linked. 

Improved security and continuous political dialogue would bring about the possibility to hold elections; a critical step on the path to reestablishing democratic institutions and elected officials at all levels of government. 

The Justice sector continues to face severe challenges, but there are some glimmers of hope, which include the passing of a decree against corruption, money-laundering and illegal arms trade. I am also hopeful by the national authorities’ ongoing efforts on improving the vetting and certification process within the judicial system.

The dire security situation in Haiti has gotten worse since my first briefing to the Council. Violence continues and has intensified, moving beyond Port-au-Prince as noted in the Secretary-General’s report. The appearance of vigilante groups adds another layer of complexity. Since April, BINUH has documented the killing of at least 264 alleged gang members by vigilante groups. 

Sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, continues to be used by gangs to terrorize and inflict pain on populations and neighborhoods under the control of rivals. 

 In addition to physical and mental harm, gang violence also has a deep detrimental impact on economic and social rights. Access to education, food, water, sanitation, and healthcare services has been severely limited by gang activity. In areas affected by gang violence, economic activities are periodically - if not permanently - paralyzed.

At the end of June, the UN Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti completed his first visit to the country. I heard directly from him about the dire situation of Human Rights. Of his greatest concern is the inhumane detention conditions and staggering levels of pretrial detention., the wide-spread gender-based violence and the mass deportations of Haitians by some countries.

The humanitarian situation is increasingly grim and likely to deteriorate even further. Today, 5.2 million people, including nearly 3 million children, require urgent humanitarian support and protection.

Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world, with 4.9 million people suffering from it.

Increased violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area has displaced nearly 128,000 people from their homes, prompting an increase in migration. Haiti’s health care system is close to collapse. 

The country also remains highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. In early June, deadly floods, followed by an earthquake, killed 58 people and impacted 45,000 households. 

This situation is exacerbated by soaring inflation and the depreciation of the Haitian Gourde eroding the purchasing power of the population.

Despite the difficult security situation and related constraints, the UN continues to have access to hard-to-reach areas to serve the communities most impacted by the crisis and remains fully mobilized to support all Haitians.

Respected Members of the Security Council,

The Chairperson of the Sanctions Committee as well as the Panel of Experts visited Haiti in June. The Executive Directors of UNICEF and WFP jointly visited the country.

We had also the important visit of Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo last weekend. She had fruitful meetings, including with Government officials, the Director General of Haitian National Police, and women and other civil society groups. 

All these important visits create momentum and general international interest on the complex situation in Haiti.

Madam President, Members of the Council,

As you know, BINUH’s mandate renewal is upon us. I ask for your support in ensuring that BINUH is adequately resourced to effectively and efficiently deliver its mandate and help Haiti out of these crises, while ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel. I want to recognize the courage and commitment of all the national and international personnel of the UN system in Haiti for their work and commitment in such a hostile security environment. 

This is a critical moment, which we cannot afford to waste. This is a time for international solidarity and immediate action.  Je vous remercie.

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 6 juillet 2023

 
 
UN Secretary-General Guterres Visits Crisis-Hit Haiti

June 30, 2023

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Haiti this Saturday July 1^st to address the unprecedented crisis plaguing the nation. With rampant gang violence causing extreme insecurity and over 4 million people experiencing food insecurity, Guterres aims to understand the situation better and find solutions.

He will meet with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and engage with political leaders and civil society representatives. This visit highlights the UN’s commitment to supporting Haiti and emphasizes the need for international cooperation.

Guterres’ discussions will focus on restoring stability, security, and improving living conditions for the Haitian people.

The visit serves as a reminder of the urgent collective action required to alleviate the suffering and promote a brighter future for Haiti.

National Center of Haitian Apostolate

REFLEXION FOR SUNDAY 13 IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A - July 2, 2023   

2 Kings 4, 8-16; Psalm 89; Romans 6, 3-11; Matthew 10, 37-42

Msgr. Pierre André Pierre

The theme of this mass is WELCOMING and HOSPITALITY. All the biblical readings insist on the need of welcoming others or the stranger. But today, it is Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Nations, who gives us the key to reading and understanding the message: "Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ." Once in Christ, we are a new creation, called to act in a totally new way.

In the first reading (2 Kgs 4.8-11.14-16), the prophet Elisha is welcomed by a woman from Sunam. This anonymous stranger welcomes the homeless prophet and is very generous towards him because she recognized in him a man of God. In her heart, however, she secretly carries deep suffering and great frustration. According to her, there is no solution: She has no children and her husband is an old man. In return, she is blessed. The prophet Elisha promises her that she will have a son. His despair turns to joy.

Welcomed with joy and honor, Elisha understands in turn how important it is to be attentive to the needs of the Shunammite. Listening to her confidences, and sharing her joys and sorrows was also part of the welcome. She made some expenses to accommodate her guest. But beyond the quantity or the luxury of the means, the important thing is the quality of the reception and the exchanges that it gives way to. This conviction of Christians is rooted in the Old Testament: Through the people we meet, it is God who comes to us; it is God whom we welcome or reject. The Shunammite of the 8th century BC could easily meet the criteria that the Master imposes on his own: “By your welcome and your brotherly love, they will recognize that you are my disciples. »

The most important day of our life is the day of our baptism, says St Paul (Rom 6,3-4.8-11). We are dead to sin and we are alive in Christ, immersed in new life. It's quite a new birth. The Church welcomes us into the family of Christians. In baptism, we have met Christ. In addition, since then we walk with Him from death to sin to life in Him.

The Gospel of Matthew (10, 37-42) also speaks to us of hospitality. Jesus' message is clear. He instructs his apostles on their calling and vocation. The first step is the reference to the first Commandment: to love and prefer God above all. The Father's will takes absolute priority in their choices, decisions, and actions. God must be number ONE in their life.

Jesus makes it very clear that our love for him must come before all family ties: « He who loves his father, his mother, his brothers, his sisters, and his children more than me is not worthy of me. » They must follow Christ and be ready to sacrifice everything for him. In return, anyone who welcomes them or welcomes strangers, or those in need welcomes God himself.

This message is addressed to the Apostles and not to the big crowd. They gave up everything and made a radical choice for Jesus. He called them to follow him. Jesus is not a teacher among others; He is the Son of God. He is therefore above man. It is he alone whom we can and must love more than the people who are dear to us.

Thus, the Lord calls all the baptized to be “disciples and missionaries.” As disciples, we follow Him. As missionaries, we must announce Him. To welcome Christ, to prefer him to everything, to be inhabited by him, this is what is proposed to us. Jesus ends this sermon by telling the disciples: “Whoever gives a drink of water to one of these little ones in his capacity as a disciple, amen I say to you, will not remain without reward. » At the Eucharistic table, God welcomes us. Then He sends us. To Welcome and to Love bring more joy to the heart than all the treasures in the world.

Exclusive - Trump, longtime admirer of Putin, says aborted mutiny 'somewhat weakened' Russian leader 
 
 Steve Holland and Nathan Layne
 

Thu, June 29, 2023at 7:19 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Thursday Putin has been "somewhat weakened" by an aborted mutiny and that now is the time for the United States to try to broker a negotiated peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
 "I want people to stop dying over this ridiculous war," Trump told Reuters in a telephone interview.
 Speaking expansively about foreign policy, the front-runner in opinion polls for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination also said China should be given a 48-hour deadline to get out of what sources familiar with the matter say is a Chinese spy capability on the island of Cuba 90 miles (145 km) off the U.S. coast.
 On Ukraine, Trump did not rule out that the Kyiv government might have to concede some territory to Russia in order to stop the war, which began with Russian forces invading Ukraine 16 months ago. He said everything would be "subject to negotiation", if he were president, but that Ukrainians who have waged a vigorous fight to defend their land have "earned a lot of credit."
 "I think they would be entitled to keep much of what they've earned and I think that Russia likewise would agree to that. You need the right mediator, or negotiator, and we don't have that right now," he said.
 U.S. President Joe Biden and NATO allies want Russia out of territory it has seized in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive that has made small gains in driving out Russian forces.
 Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last year proposed a 10-point peace plan, which calls on Russia to withdraw all of its troops.
 "I think the biggest thing that the U.S. should be doing right now is making peace - getting Russia and Ukraine together and making peace. You can do it," Trump said. "This is the time to do it, to get the two parties together to force peace."
 As president, Trump developed friendly relations with Putin, who Biden said on Wednesday has "become a bit of pariah around the world" for invading Ukraine.
 Trump said Putin had been damaged by an uprising by the Russian mercenary force, the Wagner Group, and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, last weekend.
 "You could say that he's (Putin) still there, he's still strong, but he certainly has been I would say somewhat weakened at least in the minds of a lot of people," he said.
 If Putin were no longer in power, however, "you don't know what the alternative is. It could be better, but it could be far worse," Trump said.
 As for war crime charges levied against Putin by the International Criminal Court last March, Trump said Putin's fate should be discussed when the war is over "because right now if you bring that topic up you'll neve rmake peace, you'll never make a settlement."
 Trump was adamantly opposed to China's spy base on Cuba and said if Beijing refused to accept his 48-hour demand for shutting it down, a Trump administration would impose new tariffs on Chinese goods.
 As president, Trump adopted a tougher stance on China while claiming a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping that soured over the coronavirus pandemic.
 "I'd give them 48 hours to get out. And if they didn't get out, I'd charge them a 100% tariff on everything they sell to the United States, and they'd be gone within two days. They'd be gone within one hour," Trump said.
 Trump was mum on whether the United States would support Taiwan militarily if China invaded the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.
 "I don't talk about that. And the reason I don't is because it would hurt my negotiating position," he said. "All I can tell you is for four years, there was no threat. And it wouldn't happen if I were president."
 
(Reporting by Steve Holland, Nathan Layne, additional reporting by Kanishka Singh, editing by Ross Colvin and Grant McCool)

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 22 juin 2023

 Caribbean Leaders Rule Out Sending Troops to Haiti

VOA News

Caribbean leaders attending an annual trade bloc meeting say they will not send a force to Haiti to help stop worsening gang violence in that country.

The spiraling violence in Haiti has been a key topic at the 15-member CARICOM meeting in the Bahamas with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry asking for an international military intervention to stop the gang attacks in his country.

When asked by VOA's Creole Service about possible troop involvement in Haiti, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said, "No, we are not sending troops. That much I can answer."

In October, Haiti requested help from the United Nations Security Council and has suggested the U.S. and Canada lead a force. No such intervention has come together, and neither country has offered to take the lead.

The prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, said Friday that CARICOM was working on a project for strengthening the Haitian police and security.

He told VOA's Creole Service that a working group set up to help resolve the crisis in Haiti would expand to include political actors there who signed a December accord. That agreement aims to pave the way for new elections in Haiti and the establishment of a transitional council.

Gonsalves said the effort would help Haiti move toward both a political and a security solution.

"Let them work in tandem," he said.

Also Friday, Haiti's prime minister welcomed action by the United States and Canada to sanction Haitian individuals believed to be connected to the gang violence.

Henry also said that Haiti sanctioned two more Haitian politicians with alleged ties to the gangs.

Haiti has seen a surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings blamed on gangs emboldened since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

At the opening meeting Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett reiterated the preference for finding a Haiti-led solution to the country's challenges.

"Even as progress is being made on some fronts, CARICOM and indeed the wider international community continue to struggle to help Haiti resolve its multifaceted crises," Barnett said. "We will continue our efforts to assist all stakeholders in Haiti to ensure a Haitian-owned resolution to the crises."

Barnett said the region's leaders "will have to show the resilience and fortitude of the Haitian people" in resolving regional challenges and improving the lives of people in the Caribbean community. She added that the goal is creating a "safe, sustainable, prosperous and viable community for all."

In addition to leaders from CARICOM's 15 member states, representatives from other nations, including Canada and the United States, are participating in the meeting.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday that Canada would send navy vessels to Haiti for intelligence-gathering as part of efforts to mitigate the gang violence.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.

Haiti PM at crisis talks in Jamaica 'to listen'

The Gleaner - Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry says he is attending crisis talks in Jamaica 'to listen' and help determine how the country can rebuild from the latest rounds of political and economic turmoil. 

"We did not come here to negotiate for another agreement. We are here to listen... talk about... the next steps we have to take to rebuild our democracy," Henry said Sunday morning at the Liberty Hall at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston. 

Henry noted that agreements have struck in the past and acknowledged that critics may also point to previous consultations involving political and civil society stakeholders.

The three-day consultation involves representatives from various groups in the French-speaking CARICOM country of more than 12 million people. It is being facilitated by CARICOM's Eminent Persons Group - Bruce Golding (Jamaica), Perry Christie (Bahamas) and Dr Kenny Anthony (St Lucia) - all former prime ministers. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Golding said he hopes the Haitian representatives will see Jamaica as a "comfortable space in which to wrestle" with the challenges confronting their society.

"Yes, the discussions will most likely be contentious at times. Yes, ideas will be put forward that will attract criticism and objection. Yes, each of you must have the opportunity to put forward your positions firmly. We ask only that it be done respectfully, with a willingness not just to listen to contending views but to consider their merits before brushing them aside," he said. 

CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett said the meeting "will enable the dialogue necessary to develop a roadmap towards a Haitian-led solution". She continued: "Let it be very clear Haiti is important to CARICOM. Haiti is our single largest member state; Haiti is the first free Black republic in the world, the first independent state in the Caribbean and the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere."

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has been leading CARICOM's response to the Haitian situation, said Jamaica is "honoured" to host the parties "at a time when dialogue, at the highest possible level, is essential, necessary and critical to achieving consensus".

"We recognise the importance of making every effort to find solutions," he added. These latest consultations are resulting from a CARICOM delegation Holness led to Haiti in February for high-level talks with government officials and members of civil society. 

During a visit to Jamaica last month, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged that Jamaica was the first country to have expressed a willingness to be part of an international police force to quell the bloodletting in the State that is torn by gang warfare and political upheavals. But he said there has been a reluctance on the part of the countries that have a stronger capacity to be able to lead this kind of operation.

Guterres said the reluctance by the international community to intervene can only be addressed by putting in place a political process that is credible. That is why the Jamaican initiative is so important, he said.

Powerful gangs have been infiltrating once peaceful communities in the Haitian capital and beyond, with experts estimating that they control more about 60 per cent of the capital Port-au-Prince.

They have pillaged neighbourhoods, raped adults and children and kidnapped hundreds of victims ranging from US missionaries to a hot dog street vendor in a bid to control more territory, with violence worsening since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Haiti has failed to hold elections since Moïse's murder and Henry assumed power shortly after, promising that his administration would do so.

In early January, the terms of the remaining 10 senators expired, leaving no elected officials in place. 

Caribbean leaders have also complained about a surge in migrants that they say is straining the budgets of small islands struggling with the influx of hundreds of Haitians.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world. Recent flooding and an earthquake have exacerbated problems.  

-The Associated Press and Ainsworth Morris contributed to this report. 

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STATEMENT FROM THE MEETING OF THE CARICOM EMINENT PERSONS GROUP WITH HAITIAN STAKEHOLDERS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA

A wide cross-section of Haitian stakeholders, a microcosm of Haitian society, met in Kingston, Jamaica, at the invitation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 11-13 June 2023.  Stakeholders welcomed the inclusive nature of the meeting.

The meeting sought to facilitate inclusive dialogue among Haitian stakeholders in an effort to find a solution to the protracted multi-dimensional crisis in which the country has been mired.

Stakeholders addressed the core issues of the interim governance measures needed to restore confidence in the transition and to ensure that the government could deliver its commitments.  These commitments include the critical issue of security and stability; the organisation of credible general elections to choose a legitimate and representative government; constitutional reform; and the pursuance of fundamental reforms required to preclude a repeat of the current crisis.

Stakeholders widely expressed that there was a need to build confidence and trust in the interim administration in order to effectively address the security crisis and for preparations for elections to commence. In this regard, there was widespread stakeholder support for modification of the structures of government in the interim period.

The Interim Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry, committed to greater inclusiveness in governance through the establishment of a government of national unity, beginning with working with the partners of the December 21 Accord to increase the number of members of the High Transition Council (HCT) in order to include representatives of a wider group of stakeholders. In this regard, the Prime Minister made a statement to the meeting, which is attached.

Several other suggestions were made of mechanisms reflecting the spirit and intent of the Haitian constitution by implementing a governance structure based on a presidency and a prime minister.  Additionally, this structure should adhere to the constitutional requirement that a minimum of 30 percent of decision-making positions be held by women.

The Eminent Persons Group was urged to continue to use CARICOM’s Good Offices to work with all stakeholders to find a definitive solution to the crisis.

The Eminent Persons Group committed to go to Haiti to continue these consultations within the next several weeks. 

CARICOM reiterated its commitment to provide support for the elections including assessment of preparations for and observation of the elections.

Participants thanked CARICOM for initiating this meeting. They also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and People of Jamaica for their warm hospitality and committed to continuing the dialogue as the CARICOM Good Offices process progresses.

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 13 juin 2023

Haiti : Flooding leaves at least 42 people dead and thousands displaced

The town of Leogane, 40 kilometers southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince, was particularly badly hit by the heavy rains over the weekend.

At least 42 people were dead and 11 missing in Haiti after heavy rains at the weekend triggered flooding and landslides, civil protection officials said Monday, June 5. The bad weather hit seven of the 10 departments in the country which is already plunged into a protracted humanitarian crisis fueled by gang violence, political collapse and economic stagnation. According to the UN, the severe rains affected 37,000 people and displaced 13,400.

The town of Leogane, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince, was particularly badly hit, with damage caused by three flooded rivers. At least 20 people died there, according to Haitian officials.

"The residents are desperate. They have lost everything. The waters have ravaged their fields, washed away their livestock," Leogane Mayor Ernson Henry told AFP. Thousands of families were affected in the town, he said, stressing that the population urgently needed food, drinking water and medicine.

The floods caused extensive material damage across the country, destroying hundreds of homes and damaging several roads. "Although it is not a hurricane or a tropical storm, the damage observed in the affected areas is considerable," said Jean-Martin Bauer, UN coordinator of humanitarian action in Haiti.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry activated the National Emergency Operation Center in response. The heavy toll highlights the country's vulnerability to natural disasters and its failure to mitigate storm risk just as the hurricane season is about to begin.

Even before the floods, nearly half of Haiti's population was in need of humanitarian assistance, a figure that has doubled in just five years, according to the UN.

Read more  UN calls for international troop deployment in Haiti

Le Monde with AFP

Regional stakeholders begin talks on bringing stability to Haiti

Over the next three days, Jamaica will host a high-level meeting of specially invited leaders and stakeholders, as the Caribbean region seeks to find solutions to the ongoing crisis in Haiti. 

Jamaica’s role in the process has been welcomed by former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who has been a long-standing supporter of that country’s efforts towards attaining peace, stability and good governance.

“I hope it will begin to pave the way to address the gang crisis; and put in place arrangements for the people to choose, within an acceptable period, a government with the legitimacy and authority to rebuild the most populous Caribbean and oldest sovereign nation,” Patterson told The Sunday Gleaner.

“The eminent team deserves our fullest support in the task of providing human resource capacity and the entire field of institution creation.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness had signalled to the nation earlier this year that Jamaica was willing to lend support to any effort to bring stability to the country that has been ravaged by years of political, economic and social unrest, with gang violence now overrunning the streets.

Today’s Haitian stakeholder consultations follows Thursday’s meeting with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government and United States Vice President Kamala Harris in The Bahamas, where discussions were held on a number of issues impacting the region. The US has pledged US$100 million towards various efforts in the region.

From June 11-13, Jamaica will provide the venue for the consultations, as well as arrangements to facilitate the attendees, who were invited by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, chair of CARICOM.

These include representatives from Haiti; the Eminent Persons Group, which was established by CARICOM to oversee the community’s provision of Good Offices to the Government of Haiti and Haitian stakeholders; the prime ministers of The Bahamas and Haiti; the CARICOM Secretary General and representatives from international partners and donor support. 

The talks will be led by the Eminent Persons Group, which consists of former Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie; former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding; and former Prime Minister of St Lucia Dr Kenny D. Anthony.

“Prime Minister Davis and I will officially hand over the process to the Eminent Persons Group at the opening event. However, I must underscore and emphasise that notwithstanding any representation from states regionally, the consultations themselves will only involve the Haitian stakeholders, supported by the Eminent Persons Group with their requisite technical personnel,” Holness said.

The group will update CARICOM.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has been outspoken about the crisis in Haiti, disheartened that is has come to this, given the country’s proud heritage.

In response to Holness’ announcement, Golding welcomed the meeting, noting that the solutions should be fashioned by Haitians. He said any attempts to impose extra-territorial solutions from within or external to the region would be the wrong approach. Haitians should be the ones charting the course for their future, he said.

He also noted that “given the proximity of Jamaica to the shores of Haiti … it is clearly in Jamaica’s interest for Haiti to be restored to a functional democratic system of government, and that security within Haiti and of its borders be put on a footing where criminal elements – organised and disorganised – do not hold sway.”

NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY

Prime Minister Holness has stressed the need for confidentiality during the consultation process.

“It is important that the need for confidence, confidentiality and patience be respected as this necessary but delicate process of consultation is engaged. I urge, therefore, that we allow this to be the basis on which the consultations are held and trust that the relevant information will be made available at the appropriate time,” Holness said.

He said while Jamaica and others in the region have a keen interest, it was incumbent on all to adopt a posture of non-interference in the process, while being active in support and allowing the space for the dialogue to be held.

“These consultations are intended to build consensus and allow for inclusive participation in a neutral environment. Most importantly, a majority of Haitian stakeholders have agreed to this approach in support of finding peace and stability in their country,” he said.

Over the years, Jamaica has come to Haiti’s aid during several crises. During Patterson’s tenure as prime minister, Jamaica was home to Haiti’s former president Jean Bertrand Aristide, who was eventually deposed in a coup d’étatand carted off to the Central African Republic by the United States, who was part of a peacekeeping mission there. Years before, Aristide had fled to Jamaica after an attempted coup.

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CARICOM MEETING ON HAITI /

June 11-13

Mr. Philip Brave DAVIS

President

Conference of Heads of Government

CARICOM

Mr. President of the Conference,

5- CARICOM MEETING FROM JUNE 11 TO 13 ON HAITI : WHAT AGENDA ?

Is this summit going towards supporting Haitian-led solutions? A few days before the summit, this agenda of discussion is not yet finalized and made public. What can we expect ? 

Honorable organizers,

In our opinion, if you want to show respect for the Haitian people in general and for the stakeholders concerned in particular; and if you want to organize a serious summit on the current Haitian crisis and bring a definite contribution towards a Haitian solution to the Haitian crisis, you should revise your strategy, you should revise the usual ineffective and wasteful methodology used at previous summits.

We keep hoping that CARICOM will not become an accomplice of the former colonial powers, slaveholders and racists which are today imperialist powers who cynically maintain the current crisis, oppress the Haitian people; and we hope that CARICOM will not be their sounding board. Otherwise, all inter-Caribbean summits on Haiti risk becoming a kind of special sessions of the Core Group, or their CARICOM versions.

We wish, in fact, the organization by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of a summit which will be the opportunity to pose the real problems that are making this crisis last and to find together expected solutions with the effective participation of Haitian stakeholders. We propose, in this sense, that the following points be included on the agenda of the summit:

1) Haiti: Recovery of national sovereignty to put an end to the interference of the imperialist powers;

2) Need to put an end to indecent international support, particularly from the USA, Canada and France, to the criminal PHTK government of Ariel Henry and the establishment of a credible transitional government;

3) Urgency of solidarity support from CARICOM vis-à-vis Haiti for the effective application of the Resolution 2653 (2022) adopted by the Security Council on October 21, 2022;

4) Establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to assess these eighteen years of the United Nations presence to update its responsibilities and its direct link with the causes that have led to the current chaotic situation;

5) Support from the Caribbean Court of Justice to obtain compensation and reparations for Haiti and in particular the families of the thirty thousand dead and the eight hundred thousand (800,000.00) infected with cholera brought by MINUSTAH soldiers;

6) CARICOM position statement for concrete support to Haiti with a view to non-military international intervention;

7) In the perspective of credible elections, the CARICOM recommendations for the suspension by the United States of armed gang supply, parallel to the rapid recovery of weapons already introduced ;

8) Warning against the ten (10) year development plan for Haiti of the United States Department of State;

9) Solidarity with Haiti for the recovery of the Haitian island of La Navase and the claim of compensation;

10) Need for strong CARICOM support for restitution and redress for wrongs and the grave injustices suffered by Haiti throughout history, including the historic debt of slavery, theft of its resources, the scandalous ransom of independence, the sequestration of its gold reserves by the United States of America;

11) Commitment of CARICOM in the process of total decolonization of the Caribbean space;

12) Vote on a CARICOM resolution requesting the granting of another decade of Afro-descendants - 2024-2033, on behalf of Haiti. It is worthy to note that Haiti, the first to break the chains of slavery and, for this, considered by the poet Victor Hugo and many others as being a light^[1], was relegated to the last rank within the framework of the celebration of this International Decade for People of African Descent when the UN should have given to it a place of honor.

Mr. President of the Conference of Heads of Government,

Any summit on the Haitian crisis that ignores these major concerns of the Haitian people will pass by. That is why if you want to stay away from foreseeable failure and if as a Caribbean community of brother countries, CARICOM really wants to offer a certain contribution to the resolution of this multidimensional and complex crisis, it will be necessary to build, in collaboration with Haitian stakeholders, the agenda for discussion. This is an agenda integrating the fundamental concerns of the Haitian people. It also matters to encourage all the Haitian stakeholders concerned to agree in advance on the format of the meeting, and to establish together with them the list of possible international stakeholders to be invited and postpone for at least two weeks this summit scheduled for June 11 to 13 of this year, in order to ensure its full success.

Condemned to support each other in the fight for a united and totally decolonized Caribbean, we ask you to receive, Mr. President of the Conference, our Caribbean and brotherly greetings.

Josué MERILIEN

General Coordinator of Union Nationale des Normaliens/nes d’Haïti (UNNOH) and

Member of the Executive Board of KONBIT des Organisations SyndicalesUS Vice President

^[1] https://revue.alarmer.org/tenebres-de-lesclavage-lumieres-de-la-revolte-une-lettre-de-victor-hugo-a-exilien-heurtelou-1860/