Haiti begs CARICOM for help to address humanitarian and security crisis

In a statement this afternoon, the CARICOM Secretariat noted that 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.

Haiti begs CARICOM for help to address humanitarian and security crisis

CARCOM Heads of Government have received a letter from the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Ariel Henry, calling for solidarity and requesting assistance to alleviate the deepening humanitarian, security, political, and economic crises in Haiti.

In a statement this afternoon, the CARICOM Secretariat noted that 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.

CARICOM said that the water shortage in Haiti has also exacerbated the resurgence of a cholera epidemic particularly in poor neighborhoods which has compounded an already bad situation in the French speaking Caribbean nation.

“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. Heads of Government call upon all stakeholders in Haiti to come together with urgency at this critical juncture in the country’s history to bring an end to the protracted political stalemate in the interest of the people of the country and choose nation above self-interest,” the CARICOM secretariat said today.

The Secretariat said that Heads of Government have reiterated their willingness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and consensus building 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 the establishment of a framework for long-term social and economic development.

The CARICOM leaders noted that they recognise that the initiatives could not be effectively realised until the security situation is addressed.

The Heads of Government said they have taken note of the appeal by Prime Minister Henry for the urgent assistance of Haiti’s international partners for short term assistance to address the security and humanitarian crises.

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