HAITI-Jamaica PM says Haiti needs the world’s attention.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – A day after his return from a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mission in Haiti, Prime Minister Andrew Holness told a diplomatic audience that the Caribbean nation needs the world’s attention.

Speaking at a Diplomatic Week event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Tuesday, the Prime Minister gave preliminary observations on the Haiti mission before the formal report.

“All stakeholders that we have spoken to [in Haiti] have pointed out the emergency they face with security and safety of their citizens,” Holness said, pointing out that although he holds the view that “Haiti has institutions that are functioning,” those institutions are challenged.

“And with the right support and attention, Haiti can overcome its challenges,” he added.

The Prime Minister affirmed: “I remain hopeful for the Haitians, and Jamaica and CARICOM stand in solidarity with them. And we will continue to use our good offices and give whatever support we have in bringing global attention to the situation in Haiti and in supporting the Haitian people in reaching consensus and resolution of their challenges.”

For her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who was part of the mission, said: “We are deeply concerned about our Haitian brothers and sisters, and we are working with our partners to treat the matter with the urgency that it deserves.”

She said the meetings with stakeholders in Haiti were “well received.”

“We forward to discussing them formally within the wider CARICOM body and beyond,” Johnson Smith said.

Following the Prime Minister’s address, Neville Gertze of the Republic of Namibia commented that there was an “urgent need” for strengthened multilateralism, which “is based on caring for one another.”

“And I’m taking the floor to say to you that we appreciate that you are spotlighting the Haiti crisis. We should ensure we do not leave others out when the world focuses elsewhere. We should ensure that inclusivity is the order of the day, and we recognize the efforts you are [making],” Gertze said.

The CARICOM delegation of leaders convened high-level talks with government officials and civil society in Haiti on Monday and heard from the relevant stakeholders to determine a path toward consensus-building for restoring political and security stability in the country. This was in addition to a meeting with Canada on security.

The CARICOM team also met with the High Transition Council, the Political Accord groups, the political parties, civil society, the private sector, and religious groups.