Decline of the Rule of Law in Haiti: The Providence Political Party Opts for Awareness and Civic Education

FOND-DES-NEGRES, Haiti.— The coordination of the Providence political party held a conference-debate on Saturday, May 10, at the party's headquarters in the Nippes department, on the theme: «The Rule of Law and Civic Responsibility». This event inaugurates a series of awareness-raising activities for citizens, especially young people, according to officials. «This conference-debate is not an isolated event, but rather the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at educating and raising awareness among communities about this crucial concept in the context of the country's current crisis», declared Bruno Lahens, general coordinator in Fond-des-Nègres, who opened the session. Mr. Lahens clearly presented the ambitious program of the Providence Party, addressing multiple issues such as social, economic, health, educational, cultural, agricultural, and environmental matters. He also emphasized the determination of the party's leading figures, such as Bricius Missage and Bertyanax Charles, respectively president and vice-president of the party, to work for a better future for the benefit of the Haitian population. At the heart of the conference-debate, the intervention of the invited speaker, Me Pierre Ezéchiel Vaval, a judge at the Court of Appeal of Les Cayes, captivated the audience. Vaval provided an instructive analysis by presenting the pyramid of legal norms, an essential foundation for the establishment of a true Rule of Law. The magistrate enumerated six essential characteristics that define this state, namely:

1. Ideological pluralism and multiplicity of political parties
2. Independence of public powers
3. Equality of all before the law
4. Access to justice
5. Transparency in the management of public affairs
6. State commitment to promoting economic and socio-cultural rights, as well as civic responsibility

«Unfortunately, in the current context of Haiti, each of these fundamental principles is largely disregarded», lamented Judge Vaval, emphasizing that it would be premature to speak of a Rule of Law as long as these elements are not respected. Me. Vaval also warned the population about an imminent threat related to the government's upcoming adoption of a new penal code, which, according to him, should cause serious concern. Certain provisions of this code, which seem ill-suited to Haitian social reality and undermine principles of decency, must be carefully examined by civil society. At the end of the debates, party members held a debriefing session to evaluate the event's outcomes, discuss challenges to be addressed, and consider promising prospects for future meetings. Providence Party officials in Fond-des-Nègres state that this initiative is part of a dynamic of raising awareness and promoting democratic values. It demonstrates a collective will to build a future where the Rule of Law and civic responsibility are not mere empty words, but become a tangible reality for all Haitians. Jean Mapou