Haiti Names Members of Transitional Presidential Council
The government of Haiti has announced the members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), paving the way for the country to hold fresh elections and end its political and socio-economic crisis.
CPT Members Announced
In a decree published in the official gazette “Le Moniteur” late Tuesday, the members named are:
* Former diplomat Smith Augustin
* Ex-senator Louis Gerald Gilles
* Former central bank governor Fritz Alphonse Jean
* Ex-Senate president Edgard Leblanc Fils
* Entrepreneur Laurent Saint-Cyr
* Lawyer Emmanuel Vertilaire
* Leslie Voltaire, a retired minister and diplomat
Additionally, Evangelical pastor Frinel Joseph and former World Bank official Regine Abraham have been appointed non-voting observer members.
Decree Published Despite Government Denial
The publication of the decree came less than 24 hours after the government said no decree regarding the appointment of members of the CPT had been published. In a statement, the Ministry of Communication denied the publication, saying that contrary to rumors circulating on social media, no decree had been published.
Prime Minister to Step Down
Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry, who was sworn in with the backing of the international community shortly after President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in July 2021, has already indicated that he will step down once the CPT is officially installed. A new prime minister was sworn in ahead of the fresh elections.
Henry Stranded in Puerto Rico
Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico, unable to return home from Kenya, where he witnessed the signing of an agreement allowing the African country to lead a United Nations Security Council-sanctioned Multinational Security Mission (MSS) to restore peace and security in Haiti.
CPT Members Call for Installation
Earlier this week, the members of the CPT had called for it to be installed “as soon as possible” while accusing the Henry government of seeking to introduce “major modifications” that could further stall the process of bringing about peace and security in the country.
UN Secretary-General Welcomes Establishment of CPT
Last weekend, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the 15-member CARICOM grouping welcomed the establishment of the CPT. Guterres urged all Haitian stakeholders to continue making progress in implementing transitional governance arrangements, including the timely appointment of an interim Prime Minister and government and the nomination of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council.
Conclusion
The announcement of the CPT members marks an important step towards resolving Haiti’s political and socio-economic crisis. However, the process is still fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen whether the CPT can effectively lead the country towards peace and stability.
FAQs
Q: Who are the members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT)?
A: The members of the CPT are Smith Augustin, Louis Gerald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Laurent Saint-Cyr, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Leslie Voltaire, with Evangelical pastor Frinel Joseph and former World Bank official Regine Abraham serving as non-voting observer members.
Q: Why was the decree published despite the government’s denial?
A: The government’s denial of the publication was likely due to the controversy surrounding the appointment of the CPT members, which has been a point of contention between the government and opposition groups.
Q: What is the significance of the CPT’s installation?
A: The installation of the CPT is seen as a crucial step towards resolving Haiti’s political and socio-economic crisis, as it will pave the way for fresh elections and a new government.