Business
Haiti drafting new mining legislation: – Prime Minister Lamothe
The mining potential in Haiti has been known for several decades. In the 1970s, United Nations geologists documented significant pockets of gold and copper ore, but foreigners weren’t willing to take a risk in a country where corruption and political instability have long discouraged foreign investment.
Mining laws in Haiti haven’t been revised since 1976.
Lamothe said the legislation being drafted is meant to benefit Haiti while also making the country attractive to outside investors by allowing companies to profit from mining.
When asked how much he would like Haiti to receive, Lamothe said: “As much as possible without hampering also the revenue of the party, allowing them to do business.”
The interview came after Lamothe introduced the ministers of his Cabinet, which was approved by Parliament on Monday. The government includes two new posts, a minister to deal with poverty and another to support farmers.
In addition to the mining legislation, Lamothe said his government wants to introduce programs that will clean Port-au-Prince’s garbage-strewn streets by using firefighters and other workers, better maintain roads and help mothers living in the capital’s poorer neighborhoods.
Lamothe, a former telecommunications executive, officially became prime minister Monday night following the approval of his Cabinet and government plan. There had been a nearly three-month vacancy after President Michel Martelly’s first prime minister resigned after only four months on the job.
The absence of a prime minister and fully functioning government has hobbled efforts to rebuild after the 2010 earthquake.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
