Seven former prime ministers say they are “deeply disturbed by the continued deterioration of the general situation” in the French-speaking CARICOM country and are calling for “a spirit of openness for a constructive debate” regarding the future of the country.
The seven – Jean Max Bellerive, Laurent Lamothe, Evans Paul, Enex Jean Charles, Jack Guy Lafontant, Jean Henry Céant and Joseph Jouthe – have in a joint statement, said they have established a Forum of Former Prime Ministers (FAPM) to pursue their goals.
“We, the undersigned, former prime ministers of Haiti, moved by a patriotic sense of duty, decide to speak out and participate effectively in the search for solutions, transcending any spirit of partiality.
“Indeed, we are deeply disturbed by the continued deterioration of the general situation of the country and galvanised by the idea that a patriotic outburst is essential to meet the challenges that overwhelm our people on a daily basis,” they said in their statement.
They said this is why, within the framework of the FAPM, “created in a spirit of openness for a constructive debate with enlightened minds and key players in Haitian society or the international community”, they were making “this patriotic appeal”.
“We wish to analyse in depth the challenges to development, systemic or cyclical, which afflict our country and formulate concrete proposals to remedy them.
“At this crucial stage for the survival of the country, we call for national unity and the setting aside of our differences, because Haiti has always been able to face adversity through the unity of its daughters and its son,” they said.
The former prime ministers said they propose to initiate the debate to implement a solid economic development plan, based on transparency, accountability and innovation in a secure environment.
“We, therefore, urge all political actors to engage actively and support … the strengthening of our democratic institutions and the promotion of the rule of law. The participation of all citizens, both within the country and in the diaspora, is essential to shape the political, economic and social future of our nation,” they added.
Last month, the three-member CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Haiti that travelled to the country recommended that talks between the various groups should continue in order to help “narrow the differences between the protagonists”.
The group, headed by former St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, and including his two former prime ministerial colleagues, Bruce Golding of Jamaica and Perry Christie of The Bahamas, travelled to Port-au-Prince to continue meeting with government and other Haitian stakeholders.
The meetings in Haiti were a follow-up to the three-day consultation on Haiti that was held in Jamaica in June in an effort to build consensus and allow inclusive participation in a neutral environment.
Last year, Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry sent an urgent appeal to the UN asking for “the immediate deployment of a specialised armed force, in sufficient quantity” to stop gang warfare in his country.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appealled to the UN Security Council and major potential contribution countries to act fast to create the conditions for the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti.
Last weekend, the CARICOM grouping welcomed the announcement by The Bahamas and Jamaica that they are willing to join Kenya in sending a multi-national force to deal with the security situation in Haiti.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Alfred Mutua, said last weekend that his country’s commitment is to deploy a contingent of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police restore normalcy in the country and protect strategic installations.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Monday said persistent violence in Haiti remains a significant concern for the safety and welfare of its most vulnerable citizens, especially women and children, citing reports of an “alarming spike” in kidnapping and other crimes.
According to UNICEF, nearly 300 confirmed cases were reported in the first six months of 2023, almost matching the total number documented over 2022 and close to three times the number in 2021. (CMC)
PHOTO: ALJAZEERA
