The heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome the publication of the decree establishing the Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti.
According to a statement from the regional organization, the creation of a broad-based and politically inclusive nine-member Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti.
CARICOM has supported Haiti, its sister nation, throughout the difficult process of achieving a Haitian governance formula that will lead the embattled country through elections and the restoration of bankrupt state institutions and constitutional government. Following agreements reached in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, which brought together a diverse group of Haitian political, private, civil society and faith-based actors, the Presidential Transitional Council developed a framework defining the creation, organization and functioning of the Council, and reached a political agreement that defines the way forward.
The heads of government of CARICOM fully approve the principles of the Political Agreement, and take particular note of Article 16 which states: “The mission of the Presidential Council is to put Haiti back on the path to dignity, democratic legitimacy , stability and sovereignty and ensure the proper functioning of state institutions.
It is also clear that one of the first priorities of the newly installed Presidential Council will be to urgently address 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 abuse; and so that businesses can reopen.
There are still significant challenges to overcome. CARICOM stands ready to continue to support the Haitian people and their leaders as they sovereignly determine their future during this period of transition on the path to long-term stability, security and sustainable development for Haiti .
