Statement by the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi President of Suriname

21 September 2022

At the high level meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Ad-hoc Advisory Group on Haiti with Caribbean Partners



,CARICOM Secretariat, Turkine, Greater George Town, Guyana – Wednesday, 21 September 2022,,

• Mr. President, His Excellency Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada;

• Associate heads of government,

• Minister Victor Jeanus, Minister of Foreign Affairs,

• His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

• Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community,

• Distinguished Minister,

• Ladies and Gentlemen,



Good morning to you all!

Mr President,

I appreciate the invitation to address this important and timely high level meeting of the Economic and Social Council on Haiti (ECOSOC) Ad-hoc Advisory Group.

Like other member states, CARICOM is deeply concerned by the long-standing multidimensional crisis in Haiti. The crisis has had a massive impact on the country’s socio-economic development and public safety.

The overall environment in which the country functions is challenged by dysfunction of key state institutions, political instability, deep insecurity, a crashing currency and economy, a widespread humanitarian crisis, natural disasters and reluctance. Heroes, to come together, and to compromise, in the interest of the country and its people.

In an effort to help the Caribbean community, its member states have taken a number of steps.

1. A small committee of heads of government was set up, to follow more closely the developments in Haiti.

This committee has had two meetings with the Prime Minister of Haiti.

2. The community is ready to hold stakeholder meetings in any of our Member States at the technical and political level.

3. CARICOM also proposes a meeting of international partners, to discuss funding and logistic support.


4. Based on these activities, a roadmap should be developed towards improving public safety. Thereafter, on the basis of cherished political stability, preparations can begin to hold free, fair and credible elections.

Mr President, in everything we do, we must be guided by the Haitian approach and the participation of relevant political stakeholders. One must have a Haitian face for change for the better.

The CARICOM community has some mechanisms in place that can help Haiti. But agencies like the Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Regional Security System (RSS) will need considerable resources to really make an impact.

Capacity building in dialogue, arbitration process design, criminal justice and electoral capacity building is also essential.

The community has long advocated the importance of a long-term development plan for Haiti. One of the best forms of security and stability is development – ​​job creation, human capacity building and state institutions.

As a community of small states, there are limits to what CARICOM can offer to Haiti in the form of resources. However, it has offered its assistance in areas where it has well recognized institutional strengths. These include technical preparation and overview of the electoral process, strengthening governance, legislation and institution building.

Haiti requires the concerted efforts and assistance of all its partners. We should also reach out to other regional organizations, such as the International Organization of the Francophony and the African Union.

With the support of the international community, the CARICOM community stands ready to support Haiti and its people, our Member States.

I thank you and may God bless you!

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