KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government Tuesday confirmed that the building housing the country’s Consulate in Haiti had come under attack by gunmen. As a result, it suspended its consular services in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) government indefinitely.
In a brief video statement, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said that the building, which also housed a car dealership, “was set ablaze and ransacked by criminal gangs last night.
“The Consulate of Jamaica was located on the premises, and we express our sympathies to the dealership owners, our Honorary Counsel, and, of course, advise the public that consular services in Haiti are suspended indefinitely.”
Johnson Smith said Kingston is awaiting “further details and our affirmation that the government of Jamaica in these circumstances has hardened our resolve to support all efforts to return Haiti to the peace and prosperity she and her people deserve.”
In the brief statement, Johnson Smith did not refer to the three-day meeting here as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries reiterate their commitment to finding a solution to their French-speaking member state’s political and socio-economic situation.
Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis, also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, said it was important for all stakeholders, including those in Haiti, to commit themselves to finding a lasting solution to the crisis. “
Jamaica had offered to host the consultation that is being attended by representatives of various Haitian public and private sector groups and is intended to build consensus and allow for inclusive participation in a neutral environment.
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