End of the 49th CARICOM Conference: A Unanimous Call for Solidarity with Haiti

KINGSTON, Jamaica.— Under the theme «Peoples, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Safe and Sustainable Future», the 49th ordinary conference of CARICOM Heads of State and Government was held in Montego Bay, Kingston, in an urgent atmosphere, marked by the persistent crisis in Haiti, prompting strong mobilization from Caribbean leaders. Regional Solidarity, Strategic for the Stability of Caribbean Countries From the opening ceremony, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the new CARICOM Chairman-in-Office, set the tone, expressing his deep concern over the rising violence fueled by armed gangs in Haiti. He reaffirmed Jamaica's commitment to supporting the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. Holness notably recalled that his country was among the first to deploy personnel to support this initiative. «We cannot leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs», he firmly stated, calling for sustainable solutions promoting peace, stability, and development, both for Haiti and for the entire region. The Jamaican leader also welcomed the involvement of Kenya, which supports the creation of a UN office tasked with supporting the MSS Mission, in accordance with a proposal by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The CARICOM Chairman-in-Office assured that his mandate at the head of the regional organization would make international mobilization in favor of Haiti a priority. «We must dismantle the influence of gangs, disrupt their financing, and cut off access to weapons», he emphasized, comparing the situation in Haiti to a form of terrorism that requires a global and coordinated response. Haiti Open to All Dialogue in Hope of Concrete Solutions It was Advisor-President Laurent Saint-Cyr who represented Haiti at this regional conference. His presence was perceived as a signal of openness from the Haitian authorities to strengthened dialogue with their Caribbean partners, in the hope of finding concrete solutions to the multidimensional crisis affecting the country. Haiti's representative seemed to have mastered his role. He made a vibrant plea for substantial support for a lasting resolution to the crisis, emphasizing Haiti's strategic role for the stability of the entire Caribbean.