Open letter dated April 29, 2024 to the actors of the political agreement for a peaceful and orderly transition
Document submitted to AlterPresse
The Conference of Haitian Pastors (Copah) sends you its patriotic greetings and takes this opportunity to congratulate you for the spirit of surpassing and leadership that you have demonstrated, by committing to collaborate and mobilize your skills to address institutional challenges, socio-economic, political, that Haiti has faced for decades and the widespread violence of recent months.
led the country towards recurring crises. However, as ministers of the gospel and believers in the principles of redemption, repentance, forgiveness and second chances, we hope that you will fully grasp the respective gravity. Such an attitude, we are convinced, will reserve an important place for you in the history of our dear homeland. The founding fathers and mothers of this nation and our sons and daughters will be grateful to you.
We would like to hereby draw your attention to three essential points. First, although we consider the consensus leading to the installation of the Presidential Transitional Council (PTC) on April 25, 2024 as a historic milestone for political stability, it is important to note that this consensus does not enjoy the support of all segments of the population, particularly those favoring a solution via the court of cassation. It is crucial that signatories to the agreement avoid any inclination to marginalize these groups.
Secondly, we appreciate that the agreement of April 3, 2024 leaves the door open to other structures of Haitian society wishing to join in. However, we regret that the process allowing these structures to join the agreement has not yet been clearly communicated to the general public. It is vital that this process is made transparent and accessible to build confidence in the transition.
Thirdly, it is inconceivable that, so early on, rumors would circulate concerning attempts at corruption emanating from the private business sector, which would have attempted to influence the appointment of the president or the coordinator of the presidential council by financial means. We encourage each of you to resist these temptations and strive to produce “fruits worthy of repentance,” thereby demonstrating to the Haitian people that you truly repent of past mistakes and are resolved to act differently to stop the descent into hell of our nation.
A strong majority of the Haitian people, in their immeasurable love, like the father in the story of the prodigal son, welcome you today with open arms; however, you must demonstrate through your future actions that you understand the meaning of this welcome and that you are determined to take the path of unity and reconciliation. Already opposition and negative anticipations are being heard about your failure. Which means that you have not received a blank check and that it is up to you to prove what you are capable of to begin getting the country back on track.
While wishing you success, Copah reaffirms its commitment to working for peace, justice and national reconciliation, and remains willing to collaborate with all parties so that Haiti can emerge from this difficult period with hope and renewal.
Rev. Pastor Dorvila Normil
President
Rev. Pastor Ismaël Baptiste
Executive Secretary
Rev. Pastor Jean Denavard Tranquilus
Vice-president
Rev. Pierre Wesler Azor
Deputy Executive Secretary
Rev. Pastor René Goude
Financial Affairs Officer
Rev. Pastor Wilfrid Petit-Frère
Deputy Financial Affairs Officer
Rev. Abraham Loreston
Special Advisor
Rev. Pastor Audin Cadet
Special Advisor
Dr. Ernst Pierre Vincent
Special Advisor
