CARICOM condemns violence in Haiti
CARICOM has said they received a letter from the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, who calls for solidarity and help from other Caribbean nations as violence continues to plague his country.
The economic, social and political stability in Haiti has deteriorated rapidly since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise last July.
In a statement released by CARICOM, they said: “The actions of criminal gangs have resulted in the complete cessation of fuel distribution in several parts of the country, forcing the closure of hospitals and schools and the shutting down of water pumps prohibiting the provision of clean water.
“The water shortage also has exacerbated the resurgence of a cholera epidemic, particularly in poor neighbourhoods.
“Heads of Government condemn the callous and inhumane actions of the armed gangs responsible for the roadblocks limiting movement of the Haitian people and of goods, the destruction of life and livelihoods and the deprivation of the basic needs of the people.”
Clean water is becoming hard to access across the Caribbean country, and this is being blamed for the rapid spread of cholera.
The bacterial disease usually spreads through contaminated water, and according to
The World Health Organisation, there have been 16 cholera deaths and 32 confirmed cases so far.
Mr Henry has appealed for foreign military assistance to help with the humanitarian crisis.
But his demands have been met with severe backlash from citizens.
On Monday, thousands of people took to the streets in the capital, Port-au-Prince, against the government’s plans, according to Aljazeera.
CARICOM added they are willing to “facilitate meaningful dialogue” among Haitian stakeholders “to support efforts at resolving the political stalemate.”
“The proposed assistance includes institution building, implementation of free and fair elections when the required enabling conditions are met, and establishing a framework for long-term social and economic development.”
CARICOM added that their proposals could not be implemented until the “security situation is addressed.”
CARICOM was formed on 4 July 1973 and is the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world.
The community comprises a grouping of twenty countries: fifteen Member States and five Associate Members.
0 Comment