NEW YORK, CMC – Two New York City legislators have called on the United States to increase its intervention and support for Haiti, where criminal gangs are seeking to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.
New York City Council Members Farah Louis and Mercedes Narcisse were part of a delegation of other prominent Haitian-American leaders and faith-based leaders who traveled to Washington to seek support for ending the political and socio-economic situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
They later told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the delegation, which included North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin and members of the Miami City Council, engaged in “crucial discussions” with key political figures, including US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, US Senator Raphael Warnock, Congressional Representatives Gregory Meeks and Yvette D. Clarke, and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Louis and Narcisse said they urged for measures to combat gun trafficking and bolster humanitarian aid efforts and initiatives for peace in Haiti, among other things.
“As someone who grew up in the country, I can testify to all its beautiful resources,” said Narcisse, who is Haitian-born and represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, New York.
“Its natural beauty is unparalleled. However, its most excellent resource is its people. They are vibrant, resilient, and kind, even during dark moments. The Haitian people deserve far better than the severe challenges they are currently facing.
“Therefore, as a proud immigrant from Haiti, it was deeply personal to advocate for US assistance in providing humanitarian aid to our nation. As a close neighbor in the Caribbean, Haiti’s stability and well-being directly impact regional security and the stability of the US.”
Narcisse said she hopes the US will immediately unite with the international community to offer well-intentioned support and much-needed resources to help address the deeply rooted causes of this crisis and pave the way for a more promising future for the Haitian people.
Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, said the delegation’s efforts underscore the urgency of the crisis in Haiti and the need for swift and decisive action from the United States government.
“New York City is home to one of the largest Haitian communities outside of Haiti, so the crisis hits close to home for constituents in Central and Southern Brooklyn impacted by the strife abroad, creating humanitarian and logistical challenges for all New Yorkers in my community,” said Louis, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn.
She said Haiti, the world’s first free Black republic, was the home of enslaved Black people who became revolutionaries, sparking global Black liberation and war against colonial rule worldwide.
“By working together, we can make meaningful progress towards alleviating the suffering of the Haitian people and building a more stable and prosperous future for all Haitian people and their diaspora in our local communities.”
As the international community mobilizes to confront these challenges, Narcisse and Louis say they “remain steadfast” in their commitment to advocating for the interests of the Haitian people and advancing efforts to bring about positive change.
Last Friday, the United Nations said it continues to support Haiti’s struggle to overcome violence and instability, as the beleaguered French-speaking Caribbean country is in the grip of widespread gang violence, its institutions are on the verge of collapse, and its citizens are facing a daily fight for survival.
While the situation in Haiti has long been characterized by lawlessness, with powerful gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, the UN said the months of January and February 2024 have been “the most violent in the last two years,” with over 2,500 people killed, kidnapped or injured since the start of the year.
The UN said Prime Minister Henry’s decision to step down this month has “further complicated the situation.”
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