NEW YORK, CMC—Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has called on the United States Congress to urgently address what she described as the “ongoing perilous crisis” in Haiti.
“I would be remiss not to mention the pain our brothers and sisters residing in Haiti are feeling through these difficult days,” said Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, as she addressed the official launch of the Caribbean Diaspora United, Inc. (CDU), which former Grenada United Nations Ambassador, Eugene Pursoo, heads.
“Now, Haiti has faced crises before; it’s true. But nothing compares to the generational devastation we are witnessing today,” said Clarke, the first vice chair of the US Congressional Black Caucus and representing the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York.
“While there’s no easy answer to what our nation owes Haiti, every American must understand: Haiti is not separate from the United States. Our fates, our stories, and our histories are deeply intertwined.
“So, let me be clear: America has a debt to Haiti – a debt born from Haiti’s struggles and our history of misdeeds,” said Clarke, co-chair of the Haiti Caucus in the United States House of Representatives.
“Haiti is part of our story, and we are part of theirs. Repairing the damage must start here today. Repaying that debt must begin here, today. And we each have our part to play. That, too, begins here today.
“Though many of our beloved brothers, sisters, and children may be facing challenging times today, and though these difficult days may cause us pain and make us question our ability to rise above if we stay in the faith, if we remain vigilant, if we stay prayed up and committed to our Lord, then we will overcome.
“And so shall they. Together, we have the power to deliver the progress our Haitian communities here at home and Haitian neighbors abroad are counting on because ours is courage and commitment without equality.
Last month, Clarke, the other co-chairs of the Haiti Caucus in the US House of Representatives, and their congressional colleagues renewed their call for urgent US action to address the growing crisis in Haiti.
They said that the humanitarian, political, economic, and security crises in the violence-wracked Caribbean country are “becoming increasingly dire.”
The policies urged by the lawmakers and advocates include:
- Extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
- Halting all deportations to Haiti.
- Disrupting arms trafficking to the country.
- Providing urgent humanitarian relief.
- Preventing the transfer of Haitian nationals to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- Passing a new economic assistance package that creates jobs and rebuilds Haiti’s infrastructure.
- Facilitating the establishment of a representative transitional government led by Haitian civil society.
“Our nation owes a debt to Haiti, Clarke said, adding, “Repayment begins by helping ensure that a Haitian-led democracy rings true in their communities, the United States, and across the globe.
“We must take every action necessary to secure a democratic transition led by Haiti’s civil society, and that includes providing vital humanitarian and economic aid, expediting visa processing, cracking down on illegal arms trafficking, and extending TPS and halting deportations.
“Congress has a responsibility to support Haitian stability and the safety of all its people, and it holds the power to deliver the progress our Haitian neighbors at home and abroad are counting on.
“In this dire moment where the future of our beloved Caribbean ally is at risk, and millions of lives remain imperiled, inaction is inexcusable,” Clarke said.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who also co-chairs the Haiti Caucus, said Haitians at home and in the Diaspora “should know that we have not forgotten them, and we will never stop fighting for the just and equitable future the Haitian people need and deserve.
“Congress and the Biden administration have a moral obligation to stabilize Haiti and save lives, including providing humanitarian and economic assistance, extending TPS for Haiti, halting deportations, supporting a democratic transition led by Haitian civil society, and more. If we truly believe Black lives matter, then that must include Haitian lives.,” she added.
Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick said, “In the face of the crisis in Haiti, our moral compass and international duty compel us to step forward, not just to alleviate the immediate suffering of the Haitian people, but to address the systemic problems forcing Haitians to flee their homeland.”
She said the extension and re-designation of TPS, alongside an expedited parole program and an immediate halt to deportations, are “critical first steps,” but added, “Our responsibility does not end there.”
“We must confront the root causes of migration by ensuring that Haitians can live safely and peacefully within their borders; taking a firm stand against the trafficking of firearms from places like Florida to Haiti; holding those who perpetrate violence and instability accountable,” said Cherfilus McCormick, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Just as we have extended our support to them during their time of need, Haiti deserves the same treatment. The time for action is now – to protect lives, foster security, and promote stability where Haitians can thrive in their own country.”
The lawmakers were joined by Guerline Jozef, executive director of Haitian Bridge Alliance; Patrice Lawrence, executive director of UndocuBlack Network; Mary Estimé-Irvin, chairwoman of National Haitian American Elected Officials Network; Tessa Petit, executive director of Florida Immigrant Coalition; and impacted families and TPS recipients.
“President Biden must redesignate and extend TPS for Haiti,” Jozef said.
In her address to the launch ceremony, Mercedes Narcisse, a Haitian-born New York City Council Member, said she was “acutely aware of the challenges and struggles that our homeland, Haiti, is currently facing.
“The social and political unrest in Haiti is deeply troubling, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti during these difficult times,” said the representative for the 46th Council District in Brooklyn.
On Tuesday, Haiti’s transitional council announced the formation of a 12-member government, replacing all the members of former prime minister Dr. Ariel Henry’s cabinet. This move is part of the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country’s plans to restore peace and security amid rampant gang violence.
The decree appointing members of the new cabinet was published in Haiti’s official gazette two weeks after Garry Conille,58, who served as Haiti’s premier for a short period in 2011-2012 and was, until recently, regional director for the UN aid agency UNICEF, was named as interim prime minister. Conille will also be the Interior Minister.
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