President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Joe Harmon in separate statements have expressed shock at the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

In his statement, President Irfaan Ali said the assassination of the President has left him stunned, noting that the horrific act is a tragedy for both Haiti and the Caribbean region.

Haiti is one of the member states in the regional movement, CARICOM.

President Ali said those responsible for the “indefensible and cowardly execution must be brought swiftly to justice”.  

“Political assassination has no place in the contemporary Caribbean. It solves nothing nor resolves anything. Such murderous actions are repugnant to the values of the regional integration movement and incompatible with democratic values and constitutional rule”, President Ali noted.

He added that the assassination of President Moïse compounds the already disquieting political and constitutional crisis in Haiti, making it clear that Guyana will continue to work with the Caribbean Community in seeking to engage with Haiti in order to ensure peace and stability.

In his statement, Opposition Leader Joe Harmon also condemned the “heinous and cowardly act” in the strongest possible terms. He said the assassination of the Haitian President is a dark day in the history of the region.

“The APNU+AFC extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of President Moïse and First Lady Martine Moïse as well as the Government and people of Haiti. We urge a full and thorough investigation that will bring justice to the Moïse family and people of Haiti”, Harmon’s statement said.

The Opposition Leader said the people of Haiti can be assured that the arms of Guyanese continue to be wrapped around them and the thoughts and prayers of Guyana remain with them as they navigate this period in the country’s history.

The Haitian President and his wife were shot multiple times in their private home early this morning as gunmen barged into the house. The interim Prime Minister has taken over the leadership of the country as protests started to erupt over the killing.

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