Education, Political Crisis, and International Solidarity: Workers' Union Raises Its Voice

During a press conference held this Friday, January 16, 2026, in Port-au-Prince, the Unitary Central of Workers of the Public and Private Sectors of Haiti (CUTRASEPH) strongly denounced abuses within the Haitian education system, called for national mediation before February 7, 2026, and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan and Cuban peoples. Gathered at the Flambeau Resto Club in Delmas 64, CUTRASEPH used this meeting with the press to paint a bleak picture of the national situation, particularly in the education sector. Speaking, Professor Josué Mérilien denounced what he described as political clientelism in the teacher appointment process, which he attributed to the management of the Minister of National Education, Antoine Augustin. According to him, these practices further weaken an already crisis-ridden education system, sidelining many qualified teachers who are still in classrooms but deprived of assignment letters. Faced with these serious irregularities, CUTRASEPH demands the swift opening of an independent investigation to shed light on the extent of the observed abuses. On the political front, the professor appealed to the conscience and responsibility of all stakeholders, advocating for credible mediation to enable a national agreement before the February 7, 2026 deadline. He particularly regretted the withdrawal of Monseigneur Max Leroy Dumas from the planned mediation, believing that none of the parties opposed to this initiative has, to date, proposed a more credible alternative. He thus calls for the prelate's return to the process. CUTRASEPH also revisited the solidarity event organized on January 15 at the Cuban embassy in Haiti. Josué Mérilien recalled the symbolic significance of this mobilization in support of the Venezuelan and Cuban peoples. He firmly condemned what he described as American interference in Venezuela, expressed his support for both peoples, and called on the international community to speak out. He further demanded the unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. For her part, Esther Éloy focused her intervention on the crisis caused by the teachers' strike. She called for strict adherence to the agreement of January 20, 2025, signed between the Haitian state and teachers, noting that nearly a year later, none of the commitments made have been honored by the authorities. Faced with what she considers a disregard for the legitimate demands of the teaching profession, she issued a clear call for general mobilization, while denouncing the silence of certain actors who were initially involved in the struggle. Through this press conference, CUTRASEPH aims to mobilize national and international public opinion, while reaffirming its determination to defend workers' rights, teachers' dignity, and the sovereignty of peoples. The editorial team