CARICOM Secretariat Welcomes Establishment of Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti
Support for Haiti’s Governance Process
The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome today’s publication of the decree establishing the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti. Establishing the nine-member, broad-based, politically inclusive Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti.
Background and Context
CARICOM has supported Haiti, its sister nation, through the challenging process of arriving at a Haitian-owned formula for governance that will take the troubled country through elections and restore the lapsed state institutions and constitutional government. Following on from the agreements reached in Kingston, Jamaica, on 11 March, which brought together a diverse group of Haitian political, private sector, civil society and faith-based stakeholders, the Transitional Presidential Council has devised a framework setting out the creation, organization and functioning of the Council, and arrived at a Political Accord that articulates the way forward.
Endorsement of Political Accord
The CARICOM Heads of Government fully endorse the principles of the Political Accord and take note of Article 16, which states, “The mission of the Presidential Council is to put Haiti back on the road to dignity, democratic legitimacy, stability and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of the State’s institutions.”
First Priorities
It is also clear that one of the newly installed Presidential Council’s first priorities will be urgently addressing the security situation so that Haitians can go about their daily lives in a normal manner, safely access food, water, and medical services, children can return to school, women can move around without fear of horrific abuses, and businesses can reopen.
Challenges Ahead
There are still daunting challenges ahead. CARICOM stands ready to continue to support the Haitian people and their leaders as they determine their future in a sovereign manner through this transitional period on the path to stability, security and long-term sustainable development for Haiti.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti marks an important step towards a new beginning for the country. CARICOM remains committed to supporting Haiti’s governance process and looks forward to working with the Council to address the challenges ahead.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Transitional Presidential Council?
A: The Transitional Presidential Council is established to put Haiti back on the road to dignity, democratic legitimacy, stability and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of the State’s institutions.
Q: What are the Council’s first priorities?
A: The Council’s first priorities will be addressing the security situation, ensuring the safe access to basic services, and restoring stability and normalcy in the country.
Q: What role will CARICOM play in supporting Haiti’s governance process?
A: CARICOM will continue to support the Haitian people and their leaders as they determine their future in a sovereign manner through this transitional period on the path to stability, security and long-term sustainable development for Haiti.