Holness reiterates call for Haiti help at EU-CELAC Summit
Published:Tuesday | July 18, 2023 | 12:08 AM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging the European Union (EU) to contribute financially to the humanitarian and security crises facing Haiti.
Speaking at the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit yesterday, Holness called for the political and economic block to play an active role as a “development partner” in the catastrophe facing the Caribbean country.
“We know that the EU and individual EU countries have been providing technical and financial support. This is well-appreciated, especially as Europe confronts the ravages of war on its own front step. However, much more is needed to ease the suffering of the Haitian people. The comparative benefit/potential results which could be derived from the contributions sought, are truly worthy of consideration,” he said.
Holness pointed to the 2023 UN Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires US$720 million to support the approximately three million Haitians affected by the crisis, of which only US $65.6 million has been provided.
The Haitian National Police, which he said was the country’s legitimate defence, is in need of financing, training, and equipment. He stated also that the UN Basket Fund is also in need of further funding.
“It is crucial that the international community commits to implementing strategic and targeted action that will allow Haitians to go about their daily lives and for the political process to make concrete progress,” he said.
He also reiterated Jamaica’s and other Caribbean countries’ commitment to provide training and other assistance to the Haitian National Police.
Holness, while acknowledging that sanctions play an important role in tackling the “extremely complex situation”, noted that they are insufficient to adequately address the security concerns and the transnational impact of gangs.
“For there to be any improvement in the security situation, CARICOM underscores the urgency to pursue multinational security efforts with the appropriate jurisdictional mandate,” he said, while proposing the need for a UN Security Council resolution to this effect as soon as possible.
“As Haitians look to rise up from their adversities and to make their country one of promise and not of continuous conflict, let us take the additional steps needed to bring them hope. Let us deliver through decisive action so that there can be peace, stability, and prosperity for a people that have suffered for far too long. Let us act now,” he said.