The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has noted that Haiti held the second round of its legislative, municipal and local elections on Sunday 9 July 2000.
CARICOM regrets that after a satisfactory electoral process on 21 May 2000, a disputed interpretation of the electoral law was employed in determining the results of the senatorial elections.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced its opposition to threats by the United States to suspend Haiti from the Organisation of American States (OAS), because of controversies surrounding that country's May 21st election results.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Mr. Edwin Carrington said the Community Council of Ministers meeting in Barbados at the time of the disturbing developments were shocked by the news and were " inclined against any action against Haiti at this time."
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was among international organisations that Observed the 21 May 2000 elections in Haiti, and the Community will have a similar presence at the elections due in Suriname on 25 May 2000.
Following on the decision of CARICOM Heads of Government taken at their Seventh Special Meeting , held in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, last October, CARICOM Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington, led a delegation to Haiti and held discussions on the regional grouping's assistance to that incoming CARICOM Member State in the run-up to its general elections, due on 19 March 2000.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)/Canada cooperation continues with the signing today Wednesday, 2 February, 2000 of an agreement paving the way for the Regional organisation to receive funding for an electoral observation mission to Haiti in March this year.
The CARICOM Goodwill Mission to Haiti, led by Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chairman of CARICOM, provided, according to Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington, a unique opportunity for CARICOM to obtain a deeper appreciation of the Haitian political climate. This was critical, he said, given the negotiations being undertaken for the exercise by Haiti of its full rights and obligations as a member of the Community by January 1, 2000.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman Dr the Hon. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia undertakes a Goodwill Mission to Haiti 7-9 December 1998. He will be accompanied by Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington.