The President CARICOM and Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, has declared that the countries of the region have no immediate intention of sending forces to Haiti in response to recent requests for security assistance made by Ariel Henry and his allies André Michel, Edmonde Beauzile and other oligarchs wishing to maintain the status quo.
Davis made the announcement at a press conference, following U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's call for a multinational security force in Haiti during her meeting with CARICOM leaders in the Bahamas.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry also reiterated his request for a special multinational force to the UN Security Council, in order to respond to the country's persistent insecurity.
According to Mr. Davis, CARICOM supports the idea of a mechanism to help the Haitian police re-establish law and order in the country. The focus is on providing resources, recruitment assistance, training and ensuring that the police can carry out their duties effectively.
CARICOM comprises 15 member countries, including Haiti, and the organization seeks to address political, economic and security challenges in the region.
Mr. Davis also mentioned the consultations held in Jamaica between influential Haitian leaders, who discussed the way forward for Haiti, particularly with regard to political, economic and security issues. Some fifty leaders from political parties and the business community took part in these discussions.
Stakeholders in Haiti are receptive to some form of assistance to the Haitian National Police, with the ultimate aim of creating a peaceful environment for free and fair elections. Mr. Davis insisted that taking on the gangs was essential to achieving this goal.
The former Prime Ministers of the Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Jamaica acted as moderators in the discussions between the Haitian stakeholders. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged to set up a government of national unity to promote inclusive governance and work towards credible elections based on the country's constitution.
Translated by CHIP editors
Posted June 24, 2023