CARICOM’s Eminent Person Group continues mission in Haiti

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues its involvement in Haiti through the efforts of three former prime ministers appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to support the Community’s role in the country.

This ongoing mission is taking place while Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and interim prime minister remain in office.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) is composed of former prime ministers Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and Perry Christie of The Bahamas.

These leaders have been actively engaging with Haitian stakeholders to assess the current political situation and provide guidance as the country moves through its transitional period.

During the 47th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in Grenada, Edgard Leblanc Fils, President of the TPC, shared an update. He announced that the TPC is preparing to implement a transitional electoral system to facilitate general elections in Haiti by the end of 2025. Additionally, a nationwide constitutional review process has been initiated to redefine the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Leblanc Fils acknowledged the difficult situation in Haiti, marked by gun violence in Port-au-Prince and other areas. “Our goal is to lead Haiti out of this crisis,” he stated, expressing gratitude to CARICOM, Kenya, the Republic of Benin, Jamaica, and other partners for their support in the Multi-national Security Support Mission currently operating in Haiti.

The Communiqué issued following the CARICOM meeting highlighted the arrival of around 400 security personnel from Kenya to support the UN Security Council-authorized Multi-national Security Support Mission. It also noted the funding shortfall for the deployment of additional security personnel from CARICOM Member States.