Mr. Prime Minister,
Mr. Raoul Pierre-Louis received with deep surprise your letter announcing the cessation of his functions as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Credit Bank. This decision is said to respond to the injunction of Presidential Advisor Fritz Alfonse Jean, who ordered the National Bank of the Republic of Haiti to form a commission to take over the reins of the BNC. This strategic maneuver comes after the Presidential Council, now paralyzed by personal conflicts of interest, failed to appoint a new team to head this state financial institution, whose solvency and financial solidarity are nevertheless firmly established by the audits of the Central Bank.
No one is fooled: the orchestrated bankruptcy of the Banque nationale de crédit is the result of a meticulously planned strategy. A few weeks ago, Jean-Charles Moise, leader of the political party Pitit Desalin, whose representative on the Council is implicated in the BNC scandal, publicly stated that the state financial institution is bankrupt. The question now arises: are the demand for payment made by Mr. Emmanuel Vertilaire to Mr. Pierre-Louis and the resulting judicial maneuvers and intimidations deliberately aimed at precipitating the bankruptcy of the BNC?
The key information that citizens should remember is as follows: over the past four years, the BNC’s financial data has not only been solid, but also demonstrated remarkable performance and efficiency. This financial institution is growing and generating profits every year, while paying dividends to the central government. The BNC maintains a high-quality portfolio and is constantly strengthening its capitalization. The Central Bank’s regular reports highlight a continuous improvement in its profit margins, thus confirming the robustness and profitability of the institution.
It is important to clarify that the decision to establish a commission to manage the National Credit Bank (NCB) is in contradiction with the legislation in force. According to the 2012 law, the Central Bank can only resort to such a measure in the event of the bankruptcy of a state bank. The presidential advisers, by requesting the establishment of this commission, are acting outside the legal prerogatives of the Central Bank.
This situation is extremely worrying because it exposes the institution to major legal and financial risks. By acting in this way, we are endangering not only the integrity of the Central Bank, but also national financial stability. The repercussions can be serious: on the one hand, they can harm internal governance and resource management; on the other hand, they risk undermining the confidence of investors and international partners. It is essential to act prudently to avoid serious consequences both internally and externally.
It is imperative that all decisions relating to the management of the BNC comply with the legal provisions in force. Compliance with these rules is essential to maintain the stability and credibility of our financial system. Any deviation could compromise our financial integrity. The National Credit Bank is not facing any financial crisis and continues to honour all its obligations. It is therefore unjustified to consider appointing a commission to head it. This bank is in fact a valuable asset for the State, thanks to its profitability and positive financial contributions.
It seems that there is a crude maneuver behind these attempts at destabilization that we must denounce. Some politicians, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and money, are seeking to manipulate the situation outside of any democratic control. However, it is essential to remember that there are limits to indecency. Why then want to create a crisis within a financial institution that, until now, has been operating efficiently and benefiting the State? One has to wonder what dark forces are behind this strategy. Who are the mafia groups or underground interests that could be involved in this attempt to capture the State and its resources?
By deciding to dismiss Mr. Raoul Pierre-Louis in the current context, and under pressure from presidential advisors, you are sending a disturbing message. This gesture seems to reward corruption and embezzlement instead of promoting integrity and transparency within the Haitian public administration. Mr. Pierre-Louis had the courage to denounce questionable practices. His dismissal could be perceived as an attempt to silence voices speaking out against corruption, which goes against justice and accountability. By favoring the protection of the corrupt and the corruptors, you are setting a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in our financial and government institutions. Corruption is a global scourge and has no borders. Individuals involved in illegal practices must be held accountable, wherever they are. Solidarity in malfeasance cannot be tolerated, and efforts to combat this corruption must not waver.
We therefore call for a reassessment of this decision and a clear commitment to transparency and justice. Haitian citizens deserve a government that defends truth and integrity rather than protecting the interests of wrongdoers. The process of establishing the judicial truth is now underway. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the BNC affair. This investigation was initiated following the correspondence that Mr. Pierre-Louis addressed to you and that you forwarded to the management of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC). By doing this, you have committed the state administration to prosecute the three advisors involved. There is now no turning back. The ULCC investigation will necessarily lead to prosecutions. Thus, no political maneuvering will be able to stop this procedure.
Mr. Pierre-Louis, as a whistleblower, is legally protected by national laws and international conventions. By removing Mr. Pierre-Louis from the presidency of the BNC, the Haitian State is jeopardizing his security and protection. This decision appears to be directly linked to the facts he denounced, which poses a serious problem. Haitian laws and the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Corruption require the State to ensure the protection of whistleblowers, witnesses, as well as their families and professional environment. By failing to respect these obligations, the Haitian State is not only failing in its international commitments, but also showing a lack of competence and seriousness in the fight against corruption. Removing Mr. Pierre-Louis in this way is in reality exposing him to increased risks and sending a worrying signal regarding the protection of people who fight against corruption. It is therefore crucial that the Haitian State reassesses this decision and puts in place adequate protection measures for Mr. Pierre-Louis, in accordance with international standards and legal commitments.
The dismissal of Mr. Raoul Pierre-Louis, under pressure from the presidential advisers themselves in violation of Article 33 of the decree establishing the Presidential Council, clearly demonstrates that this governing team constitutes an unlawful coalition. This decision eloquently contradicts your commitment to combating corruption in the administration of the State and casts serious doubt on the validity of your actions in this matter. Indeed, for the continuation of the investigation, it is legitimate to wonder how Mr. Pierre-Louis could participate in this process without fearing for his life as well as that of his lawyer. The dismissal of Mr. Pierre-Louis by simple letter, when he had been appointed by presidential decree, constitutes an extremely problematic act. This decision creates a climate of trauma that harms the ongoing investigation as well as potential whistleblowers and witnesses. By doing so, you are crossing a red line, providing cover for those who engage in organized crime.
In light of this situation, it is imperative that we reverse the decision to dismiss Mr. Raoul Pierre-Louis from his position as head of the Banque nationale de crédit. His continued employment in this role is crucial not only for the effective pursuit of the investigation, but also to ensure that his constitutional rights are respected. You must reverse this decision to ensure justice and security in this case.
With respect and civility,
Sonnet SAINT-LOUIS, by.
