CARICOM `deeply concerned’ at differences between Haiti transitional council, PM

CARICOM yesterday said that it is deeply concerned by the ongoing differences being played out in public between the President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and the Prime Minister of Haiti. “This growing lack of cohesion imperils the transitional process based on the spirit and the principles of compromise, consensus and inclusiveness set out in the Political Agreement of 11 March 2024 in Jamaica and the Political Accord of 3 April 2024 drawn up by the Haitian stakeholders”, a statement from CARICOM said.

 It added: “This unseemly and distracting conflict is taking place at a time when the insecurity and humanitarian crises are deteriorating gravely. This is further deepening and prolonging the despair of the Haitian people seeking a glimmer of hope and relief. These differences between the leaders of the executive also undermine confidence among Haiti’s partners and the wider international community, impeding the provision of the critical assistance that Haiti urgently requires to address and overcome the complex crisis in which it is presently mired. This perilous moment in time calls for cohesiveness and joint focus in addressing the many challenges that obstruct the search for stability and progress towards the objectives of the transition”.

 Through the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), CARICOM said that it is monitoring these developments closely and has engaged with both the President of the Transitional Presidential Council and the Prime Minister to better understand the roots of the disagreement to guide its efforts at facilitation. It said that the efforts of the EPG will continue for as long as required.

 CARICOM called on all the members of the Transitional Presidential Council and the interim government to remain focused on working for the Haitian people and the important task of laying the ground for free and fair elections by February 2026.