WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States has reiterated its support for finding a solution to the ongoing political and socio-economic situation in Haiti, where criminal gangs continue their efforts to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry, who remains stranded in the United States.
A US State Department statement said that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Guyana President Dr. Irfaan Ali, also chairman of the 15-member regional integration movement CARICOM, on Monday.
The brief statement said they “discussed efforts to support Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
“The Secretary reiterated the United States values CARICOM’s support of Haitian efforts to promote inclusive and representative governance,” the statement added.
Last month, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping, which is spearheading efforts for a Haitian-led solution to end the situation in the French-speaking CARICOM country, said that an agreement had been reached that would allow for Prime Minister Henry to step down and for a transitional governance arrangement “which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance and action plan for near term security and the road to free and fair elections.”
CARICOM said that it was also agreed to create a CPT comprised of seven voting members and two voting observers.
Those with votes include the ‘Pitit Desalin’ party headed by Jean-Charles Moise, the EDE party of former prime minister Charles Joseph; the Fanmi Lavalas party; the December 21 coalition led by Henry; the Montana Accord group; and members of the private sector.
The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one from the interfaith community.
On Monday, the CPT also issued a statement denying that it had issued a document that discusses the dismissal of senior public officials and deals with the procedures for its installation.
In addition, the CPT says it has only been made aware of the document through the media and “condemns such an act” while denouncing what it claimed to be the objectives of manipulating public opinion and destabilizing the process.
”In the current context, it is crucial to maintain the state’s serenity and cohesion in order to respond to the many challenges facing the Haitian nation. The Presidential Council considers it necessary to clarify that this document does not correspond to any decision discussed and adopted within it.”
Meanwhile, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud hailed President Ali’s “effort and commitment” as the current Chair of CARICOM on working on a resolution to Haiti’s humanitarian and political morass, saying it has been nothing less than monumental. “Every day and for many hours, our President has engaged regional and global leaders and Haitian stakeholders to ensure a Haitian-led and executed solution. All Guyanese must be proud of the leadership and compassion being extended to the Haitian people,” Mr Persaud said on his Facebook page.
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