Haiti: Moïse calls various representatives to address political crisis

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse yesterday met with representatives from various sectors on Monday in an effort to find a solution to the political crisis gripping the French speaking Caribbean Community country.

The president had scheduled the meeting with representatives of the trade union, religious, academic, peasant and civil society sectors.

However, some sectors rejected the invitation including René Monplaisir, leader of the Haitian People’s Sector, who justified his refusal in a letter.

“We regret to announce you that we will not be able to attend this hearing. Indeed, we find that the representatives of the Democratic and Popular Sector, Fanmi Lavalas, Pitit Dessalines, the 4 senators and opposition members, the forces of the nation are absent.”

On Saturday, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping called on all political stakeholders in the country to “act responsibly” following demonstrations aimed at forcing the president of out office.

In a brief statement, the 15-member grouping said it is “deeply concerned about the present unsettled situation in Haiti” adding: “this has been brought about by the long delay in having a new government installed which, in turn, has deprived the administration of much needed resources promised by its international financial and development partners.”

“The grave deterioration in citizen security and renewed mass demonstrations have once again resulted in violence, loss of life and the destruction of property, which is a cause for concern,” CARICOM said.

Opposition parties have stepped up their calls for Moïse to step down in the wake of a damming report by the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSA/CA) into programmes and projects funded by the PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. -(CMC)