Haiti

CARICOM under my Chairmanship has been deeply involved in the search for a solution to the political crisis in Haiti.

Following the departure of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide a new President has taken the Oath of Office.

CARICOM Heads of Government met on 2 and 3 March 2004 in Kingston, Jamaica, in an emergency session to consider the situation in Haiti.

The Heads of Government expressed dismay and alarm over the events leading to the departure from office by President Aristide and the ongoing political upheaval and violence in Haiti. They called for the immediate return to democratic rule and respect for the Constitution of Haiti.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been following with deep concern the reports out of Haiti that armed groups opposing the continued presidency of Mr. Jean Bertrand Aristide have taken control of several towns including Gonaïves and St Marc. The accompanying violence has caused the death of a number of persons including policemen.

CARICOM Chairman the Most Hon P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica has received the endorsement of the Haitian President, His Excellency Jean-Bertrand Aristide, for the latest CARICOM initiative to attenuate the political instability in that Member State. This endorsement is in response to proposals contained in a letter from Prime Minister Patterson to the Haitian President (copy attached). The initiative will commence with a fact-finding mission.

There are specific dates in history that carry with them lasting significance. January the first 1804 will remain indelibly etched in the annals of mankind.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon Perry Christie will lead the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation to the bicentennial celebrations of the Republic of Haiti.

The two-day official celebrations begin on 1 January 2004 to commemorate the founding of the Haitian republic in 1804 by ex-slaves. Also included in the delegation is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, the Hon Fred Mitchell and CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite.

The Caribbean Court of Justice in its continued Public Education Programme, on the 22-23 May, 2003 launched its public education programme in Haiti.

Haiti is the newest Member State embraced as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The launch and first round of the education programme in Haiti, targeted the Judiciary and Magistracy.

The Haitian Judiciary was given the opportunity to discuss the CCJ in the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

A team of Haitian Trade officials will begin a two-week study-tour on Monday 2 June 2003, spending the first week in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). They will spend the second week in Trinidad & Tobago to complete the familiarisation exercise of the CARICOM machinery particularly as it relates to trade.

Deeply concerned about the continuing instability in Haiti and the prospect of a breakdown in the social order, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) emphasise that only strict adherence to the democratic process will constitute a proper solution to the political problems in Haiti.

It will be recalled that at the XXIII Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Georgetown from July 3-5, 2002, the Heads of Government had accepted an invitation extended by the President of Haiti for a delegation led by the Chairman of Conference to visit Haiti before the end of 2002. 

The main purpose of the visit would be in recognition of Haiti’s membership and to encourage the process of inter-relationship between Haiti and the rest of the Community.