CARICOM Group of Eminent Persons continues to play role in Haiti’s political transition

By Kevon Browne

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), through the work of its Eminent Persons Group (EPG), remains committed to supporting the ongoing political transition in Haiti.

The panel, appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to facilitate dialogue and provide guidance during this period, includes former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding and former Prime Minister of the Bahamas Perry Christie.

The EPG actively engages with Haitian stakeholders to assess the current situation and encourage discussions to address the country’s political challenges.

At the 47th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Grenada, the President of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), His Excellency Edgard Le Blanc Fils, presented the progress of the Council’s work. The TPC, in partnership with Interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, is working to establish a transitional electoral system that will allow Haiti to hold general elections by the end of 2025.

In addition to electoral preparations, the TPC has launched a nationwide constitutional review process to redefine the relationship between the Haitian state and its citizens.

President LeBlanc-Firs expressed gratitude for the support of CARICOM, Kenya, the Republic of Benin, Jamaica and other international partners, primarily through the Multinational Security Support Mission operating in Haiti under the authority of the United Nations Security Council.

A communiqué issued after the CARICOM meeting noted that Kenya has deployed about 400 security personnel as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The communiqué also highlighted the financial challenges affecting the deployment of additional security personnel by CARICOM member States, indicating the need for increased international support.

The CARICOM Group of Eminent Persons continued its efforts, with a continued focus on promoting dialogue among Haitian stakeholders and supporting the Transitional Government’s initiatives to achieve stability and democratic governance in Haiti.