On September 29, the Association of Haitian Nationals (AHNIG) launched its operations.
A release from the group yesterday said that AHNIG is a non-profit organization, designed to help Haitian nationals to better contribute to the Guyanese society and to enable interactions with the authorities.
The idea of the association stemmed from a group of Haitian migrants and expatriates who issued the Declaration of Pegasus on April 7th capturing the essence of the initiative.
The release said that several Guyanese figures, alongside scores of Haitian migrants and expats participated in the launch. Expressing his appreciation for the setting up of the association, expatriate Jean Ricot Dormeus stated that the Community was making history by launching the association and stressed the importance of mutual service, continuing education and hard work to prosper in Guyana and to contribute to society.
The release said that Pastor Ulrick Thibaud encouraged the participants to stick to love and unity as a way to achieve lasting success.
The Plenary of the Haitian association adopted its bylaws and selected an acting executive council chaired by Pierre Eric Jean who expressed gratitude to the Guyanese people which have showed empathy and appreciation for the Haitian nationals in Guyana.
In recent months large numbers of Haitians have arrived here with many of them leaving for third countries. It has been argued that the authorities here have no idea of the numbers who have stayed on. Concerns have also been raised about possible people smuggling operations and human trafficking.