Haiti needs the world’s attention – PM
KINGSTON, Feb. 28 (JIS):
A day after his return from a CARICOM mission in Haiti, Prime Minister, the
Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, told a diplomatic audience today (February 28) that the
Caribbean nation needs the attention of the world.
Speaking at a Diplomatic Week event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade, the Prime Minister gave his preliminary observations on the Haiti
mission, in advance of the formal report.
“All stakeholders that we have spoken to (in Haiti) have pointed out the
emergency situation they face with security and safety of their citizens,” Mr. Holness
said.
He pointed out that although he holds the view that “Haiti has institutions that are
functioning”, these institutions are challenged.
“And with the right support, with the right attention, Haiti can overcome its
challenges,” he added.
The Prime Minister affirmed that, “I remain hopeful for the Haitians, and Jamaica
and CARICOM stand in solidarity with them. And we will continue to use our good
offices and give whatever support we have in bringing global attention to the situation in
Haiti and in supporting the Haitian people in reaching consensus and resolution of their
challenges.”
For her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon.
Kamina Johnson Smith, who was also a part of the mission, said, “We are deeply
concerned about our Haitian brothers and sisters and we are working with our partners to
treat the matter with the urgency that it deserves.”
She outlined that yesterday’s meetings were “well received” and “we look forward
to discussing them formally within the wider CARICOM body and beyond”.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, His Excellency Neville Gertze of the
Republic of Namibia, commented that there is an “urgent need” for strengthened
multilateralism, one that “is based on caring for one another.”
“And I’m taking the floor really just to say to you, that we appreciate that you are
bringing the spotlight to the crisis in Haiti. When the focus of the world is elsewhere, we
should ensure that we do not leave others out. We should ensure that inclusivity is the
order of the day, and we recognise the efforts you are (making),” Mr. Gertze said.
The CARICOM delegation of leaders convened high-level talks with government
officials and civil society in Haiti on Monday and heard from the relevant stakeholders in
a bid to determine a path towards consensus building for the restoration of political and
security stability in the country.
This was in addition to a meeting with Canada on the matter of security.
The CARICOM team also met with the High Transition Council and the Political
Accord groups as well as the political parties, civil society, private sector and religious
groups.
Diplomatic Week in Jamaica is being observed under the theme: ‘Transcending
Borders, Strengthening Partnerships, Advancing Development’.
More than 50 resident and non-resident Heads of Mission are participating in the
week’s programme.
