Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 19 juillet 2023

 Security Council gives UN chief 30 days to come up with options on how to fight Haiti's armed gangs

Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 12:39 PM EDT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council asked the secretary-general on Friday to come up with options to help combat Haiti’s armed gangs, including a possible U.N. peacekeeping force and a non-U.N. multinational force.

A resolution adopted unanimously by the council asks U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to report back on “a full range” of options within 30 days to improve the security situation, including additional training for the Haitian National Police and providing support to combat illegal arms trafficking to the impoverished Caribbean nation.

It also authorizes up to 70 U.N. police and corrections advisers to scale up support and training for Haiti’s understaffed and underfunded national police force. And it “encourages” countries, especially in the Caribbean region, to respond to appeals from Haiti’s prime minister and from Guterres for the deployment of an international specialized force.

Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry sent an urgent appeal last October for “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity” to stop the gangs. However, more than eight months later no country has stepped up to lead such a force.

Guterres, who visited Haiti earlier this month, called last week for a robust international force to help the Haitian National Police “defeat and dismantle the gangs.”

He said the estimate by the U.N. independent expert for Haiti, William O’Neill, that up to 2,000 additional anti-gang police officers are needed is no exaggeration. O’Neill, who concluded a 10-day trip to Haiti this month, is an American lawyer who has been working on Haiti for over 30 years and helped establish the Haitian National Police in 1995.

The gangs have grown in power since the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and are now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital. The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings has led to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups.

Compounding the gang warfare is the country’s political crisis: Haiti was stripped of all democratically elected institutions when the terms of the country’s remaining 10 senators expired in early January.

The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Ecuador, “strongly urges” all countries to prohibit the supply, sale or transfer of weapons to anyone supporting gang violence and criminal activities.

It reiterates the need for all Haitians, with support from the U.N. political mission known as BIHUH, to establish “a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process to permit the organization of free, fair and credible legislative and presidential elections.” And it calls on the Haitians “to urgently reach an agreement on a sustainable, time-bound and commonly accepted roadmap for elections.”

The resolution extends BINUH’s mandate until July 15, 2024, and also encourages the mission “to explore options to enhance the Haitian criminal justice sector in order to fight impunity.”

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the resolution an important step to help the Haitian people shape their future and restore democratic order.

But she said, “we must do more,” and urged all 15 council members to join the U.S. in working with BINUH, the Haitian government and the international community to “help the Haitian people secure a more just and peaceful future.”

China’s deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang reiterated Beijing’s position that the most urgent task is to stabilize the security situation and stop the flow of arms, otherwise “no amount of support for the Haitian National Police will make any difference.”

He stressed that the U.N.’s actions in Haiti over some 30 years “have shown that quick fixes implemented from the outside often fail to deliver long-term results that will help Haiti truly emerge from the crisis.”

“The United Nations should fully learn from the past,” Geng said.

RD-HAITI : Esther Dacius apprehended by the Police

July 12, 2023

On the run for fraud, forgery, breach of trust, and association of criminals, a person named Esther Dacius was apprehended by Dominican authorities and subsequently transferred to the National Police of Haiti on Saturday, July 8, 2023, following a warrant and a wanted notice issued against her.

Multiple complaints were filed in 2022 and 2023 with the Bureau of Financial and Economic Affairs against her and her husband, Marckenshy Honoré, for the aforementioned offenses.

Esther Dacius posed as a consul at the Canadian embassy, using fake websites in the name of the embassy to defraud her victims.

Marckenshy Honoré, who was actively sought by the Haitian National Police (PNH), played the role of intermediary and secretary between the victims and his wife.

Currently, Esther Dacius is in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.

Women's World Cup 2023: Haiti's team are 'bringing the light back' after qualifying - BBC Sport

10 July 2023

Women's Football

Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus reflects on her side's World Cup play-off win over Chile

Sign up for notifications to the latest Insight features via the BBC Sport app and find the most recent in the series here.

"Actually, can I ask something?"

Kerly Theus is a 5ft 4in goalkeeper who plays for the Haiti women's national team.

For the last 40 minutes, we have talked about her career, her country, her childhood. We have even touched on the friends she lost in the 2010 earthquake.

But all this time, something has been bubbling up inside of her, a point she has been desperate to get across.

In less than two weeks, Haiti face England, European Champions and second favourites behind the United States to win the tournament, at the Women's World Cup in Brisbane, Australia.

It is Haiti's first ever match at the competition - and for Theus, it will be the biggest of her career.

She also sees it as an opportunity: the fixture that inspires the next generation. 

"Can you quote this in your article, please?" she asks. "'This message is specifically for the girls in Haiti: 'Keep pushing, keep driving and this moment, you'll have it too when it's your time'."

Theus, along with her team-mates, wants to propel her nation into the spotlight. It is her main motivator, all she can think about.

"I've been to tournaments where people said 'Haiti? What's that?'" she adds.

"The World Cup is the biggest stage. Your country, your name is publicised everywhere. 

"We want the world to know about Haiti and the talent we have. Oh, and we want to get past the group stage."

Theus' journey to the World Cup began at the Ranch.

The team's base in Croix-des-Bouquets, one of Port-au-Prince's poorest suburbs, is officially called the Fifa Goal Center, but everybody knows it as 'the Ranch'. 

Back in 2002, the first phase of the training complex opened, boasting an auditorium, administrative office and dormitories for players. 

Today, up to 200 boys and girls aged 14 and above live, train and go to school at the former country mansion. 

Theus arrived there in 2013, at the age of 14.

Initially, it was her sister who was spotted and she tagged along because it was easier than separating them.

"There was no goalkeeper in my age group," she says. "I didn't want to play in goal but I learned the mechanics - how to hold the ball, knowing when to dive, how to dive, things like that.

"It was completely different to playing on the streets. We trained every day, twice a day, no matter what.

"We had practice matches with the boys' team, it made us stronger and faster."

The players at the Ranch grew up together. In recent months, emotionally, they have drawn ever closer.

In November 2020, Yves Jean-Bart, the president of the Haitian Football Federation, was handed a lifetime ban by Fifa for alleged harassment and sexual abuse of multiple underage female footballers at the Ranch and elsewhere.

Fifa's investigation concluded he "threatened and prevented potential victims and witnesses from giving testimony" and "exercised an authoritarian regime".

Photographs from 2021 were also followed by allegations that children at the Ranch were living in unhygienic and unsafe conditions. 

However, in February, Jean-Bart's suspension was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport who found the evidence against him was "inconsistent, unclear and contradictory".

The 75-year-old has strongly denied the allegations since they were first made. Meanwhile, Fifa have filed a rare complaint against Cas' ruling.

None of the three players interviewed for this piece wanted to speak directly about the claims but all mentioned the squad's unity in the face of adversity.

"We can't control what happened but we understand we can control our reaction to it," says midfielder Danielle Etienne.

"We're not shaken by this, we're choosing not to linger on the past or negativity," adds right-back Chelsea Surpris, who spoke to BBC World Service in February.

Theus concludes: "We're tight-knit, most of the team think the same.

"Hey, we're here to show off our talent, show off our skills. Let's let that do the talking."

Haiti were ranked 55th in the world in February, 17 places below Chile

Haiti were one of the last teams to reach the World Cup, upsetting Chile in a play-off in New Zealand in February.

Additional reporting by BBC Sport's Isaac Fanin.

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 12 juillet 2023

 
Thousands flood the streets in South Florida to rally for Haiti as kidnappings, violence surge

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Miami Herald

Updated July 09, 2023 6:25 PM

Haitians take to the streets in Port-au-Prince to match for an end to gang violence and kidnappings. The march was organized by Miami pastor Gregory Toussaint, who organized similar marches across the United States and elsewhere.  By Video Courtesy: Johnny Fils-Aime

North Miami

More than 2,000 people filled the streets marching under sweltering heat in North Miami Sunday afternoon to rally in support for the people of Haiti and to protest ongoing gang violence, political instability and corruption.

“We are marching against violence, we are marching against kidnapping,” Anna Dorvilier, 40, from West Palm Beach, yelled waving a sign that read “If we are not on the table, we are on the menu.”

Chanting and singing “Jistis pou Ayiti” and “Souf pou Ayiti” — Creole for “Justice for Haiti” and “Relief for Haiti” — the crowds waved tiny Haitian flags and followed a tractor trailer truck with an elevated platform carrying dignitaries like Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, clergy and musicians 

“We are united for Haiti, and God’s ears are open today,” Levine Cava said. 

Dance and church music boomed over huge speakers towed by the truck and the people in back and ahead of the semi sang along. 

“We want everyone to hear our voices,” said marcher Mana Pierre-Louis, a 31-year-old who moved to South Florida from Haiti seven years ago. “We need a solution to Haiti now.”

The “Relief for Haiti” rally was organized by pastor Gregory Toussaint, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Glory Church in North Miami. Toussaint, who is CEO of Shekinah.fm. The North Miami was among several the pastor organized in major cities across the United States and in Haiti itself. He decided to organize a March after a petition drive to get support for a sanctions bill in congress garnered more than 100,000 signatures in a week. 

Toussaint’s goal was to bring together Haitians in the U.S., Haiti, Canada and France in an effort to bring awareness to the escalating gang violence and kidnappings in the Caribbean country, and demand something be done. 

CARDH : Two years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse

Two years after the assassination by Colombian mercenaries and former agents of the American secret services, aided by units of presidential security, the Haitian justice system is standing still, alternatively five investigating magistrates who have already been appointed in turn to investigate the case

The first four each had a reason to divest themselves. The last, Walter Wesser Voltaire, whose trial period has expired since 30 October 2022, decides to keep the file, in violation of the law on investigation and in contempt of the prosecutor’s office, jurisdiction of the prosecution for which he is investigating, and the dean, court administrator.

At the same time, the American justice is making great strides in its investigation. Rodolphe Jaar, one of 11 suspects detained in the United States, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 2 June 2023. The trial of the other suspects is scheduled for May 2024.

As a transnational crime and faced with the limits of Haitian justice (political, procedural, security, jurisdictional problems...) further weakened by the investigation of the American justice, another legal system (Common Law) having a large machine to exercise its extraterritorial powers, the case of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse should be dealt with by a special court or a special chamber for an effective justice. It is an obligation of international cooperation stemming from international morality and solidarity.

 To assist the Haitian authorities and international cooperation in exploring this option, this report presents the six existing hybrid tribunals: i) Extraordinary Chambers of Cambodian Courts; ii) Special Tribunal for Lebanon; iii) Tribunal for Sierra Leone; iv) special African chambers; v) special chambers for Kosovo; vi) special criminal court in the Central African Republic.

 An addition to this document, 15 reports and press releases published by CARDH on the issue are recommended.

S. Communication

CARDH

Centre d'analyse et de recherche en droits de l'homme

3, Rue Charlevoix, Bourdon (Port-au-Prince, Haïti)
(+509) 28 11 79 44

           36 10 69 09 

           37 95 65 97

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www.cardh.org

SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS

OPEN SESSION

Briefing by Ms. María Isabel Salvador

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH

6 July 2023

Madam President,

Distinguished Members of the Council,

Tomorrow, 7 July marks the second anniversary of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The call for those responsible for this heinous crime to be brought to justice, continues. His assassination submerged Haiti into a deeper political crisis which has been exacerbated by an unprecedented breakdown of security, with criminal armed gangs imposing a regime of terror and violence in most parts of Port-au-Prince. This grave situation is compounded by the humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic crises the country is facing.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Comme le Secrétaire-Générale a dit lors de sa récente visite en Haïti : “Il ne peut y avoir de sécurité durable sans un rétablissement des institutions démocratiques – et il est impossible de parvenir à des solutions politiques pérennes et pleinement représentatives sans une amélioration drastique de la situation sécuritaire.”

Since my first briefing to the Council two and a half months ago, some progress has been made on the implementation of the 21 December Agreement, which defines the framework of our engagement with national authorities and other stakeholders.

Within this framework, the High Transitional Council organized a Forum in May which gathered representatives, from across the country, of the political, civil society and private sector, including non-signatories of the 21 December Agreement. The Forum provided an opportunity for all Haitian stakeholders to discuss key issues around constitutional and electoral reforms, good governance and socio-economic issues. The Forum adopted a Joint Declaration including a call for the deployment of a “robust international support to the Haitian National Police”.

As part of the Haitian political dialogue, I want to highlight the initiative of CARICOM, through its Eminent Persons Group, to organize last June a meeting of Haitian stakeholders in Jamaica, which brought together Prime Minister Henry, political parties, and civil society groups.

Upon his return from Jamaica, Prime Minister Henry committed to changes in the cabinet to make it politically more inclusive; to the enlargement of the High Transitional Council; and to expediting the submission of candidates for the Provisional Electoral Council. I hope these commitments soon materialize. Through my good offices I will spare no effort to continue supporting dialogue initiatives on the way forward.

As parties engaged on continuous dialogue, I look forward to the visit to Haiti of CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group in continued support to furthering inter-Haitian consultations under the auspices of the High Transitional Council. 

The Secretary-General’s solidarity and working visit to Haiti casts the limelight on the imperative of action by Haitians and the international community. The Secretary-General met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the High Transitional Council, a cross section of the political parties and civil society organizations. He impressed upon all the need to move forward with dialogue and his unwavering support for the deployment of a “robust international Force” to assist the Haitian National Police.

Among the people of Haiti, across the entire political spectrum, there is widespread backing for the deployment of such a Force. It is true that the talk of the presence of an international Force in Haiti, could elicit mixed reactions. Similar to what the Secretary-General heard during his visit to Haiti, I too have heard appeals, since my arrival, for international security support. The robust international Force that Haiti needs must complement and strengthen - not replace - the Haitian National Police, in full respect for Haiti’s national sovereignty. 

At the CARICOM Heads of State meeting this week in Trinidad and Tobago, when discussing Haiti, the Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need for a “robust international force authorized by the Security Council” and reiterated his call earlier today

While the political transition and the fight against gangs should remain on separate tracks, the two are inextricably linked. 

Improved security and continuous political dialogue would bring about the possibility to hold elections; a critical step on the path to reestablishing democratic institutions and elected officials at all levels of government. 

The Justice sector continues to face severe challenges, but there are some glimmers of hope, which include the passing of a decree against corruption, money-laundering and illegal arms trade. I am also hopeful by the national authorities’ ongoing efforts on improving the vetting and certification process within the judicial system.

The dire security situation in Haiti has gotten worse since my first briefing to the Council. Violence continues and has intensified, moving beyond Port-au-Prince as noted in the Secretary-General’s report. The appearance of vigilante groups adds another layer of complexity. Since April, BINUH has documented the killing of at least 264 alleged gang members by vigilante groups. 

Sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, continues to be used by gangs to terrorize and inflict pain on populations and neighborhoods under the control of rivals. 

 In addition to physical and mental harm, gang violence also has a deep detrimental impact on economic and social rights. Access to education, food, water, sanitation, and healthcare services has been severely limited by gang activity. In areas affected by gang violence, economic activities are periodically - if not permanently - paralyzed.

At the end of June, the UN Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Haiti completed his first visit to the country. I heard directly from him about the dire situation of Human Rights. Of his greatest concern is the inhumane detention conditions and staggering levels of pretrial detention., the wide-spread gender-based violence and the mass deportations of Haitians by some countries.

The humanitarian situation is increasingly grim and likely to deteriorate even further. Today, 5.2 million people, including nearly 3 million children, require urgent humanitarian support and protection.

Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world, with 4.9 million people suffering from it.

Increased violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area has displaced nearly 128,000 people from their homes, prompting an increase in migration. Haiti’s health care system is close to collapse. 

The country also remains highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. In early June, deadly floods, followed by an earthquake, killed 58 people and impacted 45,000 households. 

This situation is exacerbated by soaring inflation and the depreciation of the Haitian Gourde eroding the purchasing power of the population.

Despite the difficult security situation and related constraints, the UN continues to have access to hard-to-reach areas to serve the communities most impacted by the crisis and remains fully mobilized to support all Haitians.

Respected Members of the Security Council,

The Chairperson of the Sanctions Committee as well as the Panel of Experts visited Haiti in June. The Executive Directors of UNICEF and WFP jointly visited the country.

We had also the important visit of Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo last weekend. She had fruitful meetings, including with Government officials, the Director General of Haitian National Police, and women and other civil society groups. 

All these important visits create momentum and general international interest on the complex situation in Haiti.

Madam President, Members of the Council,

As you know, BINUH’s mandate renewal is upon us. I ask for your support in ensuring that BINUH is adequately resourced to effectively and efficiently deliver its mandate and help Haiti out of these crises, while ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel. I want to recognize the courage and commitment of all the national and international personnel of the UN system in Haiti for their work and commitment in such a hostile security environment. 

This is a critical moment, which we cannot afford to waste. This is a time for international solidarity and immediate action.  Je vous remercie.

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 6 juillet 2023

 
 
UN Secretary-General Guterres Visits Crisis-Hit Haiti

June 30, 2023

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Haiti this Saturday July 1^st to address the unprecedented crisis plaguing the nation. With rampant gang violence causing extreme insecurity and over 4 million people experiencing food insecurity, Guterres aims to understand the situation better and find solutions.

He will meet with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and engage with political leaders and civil society representatives. This visit highlights the UN’s commitment to supporting Haiti and emphasizes the need for international cooperation.

Guterres’ discussions will focus on restoring stability, security, and improving living conditions for the Haitian people.

The visit serves as a reminder of the urgent collective action required to alleviate the suffering and promote a brighter future for Haiti.

National Center of Haitian Apostolate

REFLEXION FOR SUNDAY 13 IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A - July 2, 2023   

2 Kings 4, 8-16; Psalm 89; Romans 6, 3-11; Matthew 10, 37-42

Msgr. Pierre André Pierre

The theme of this mass is WELCOMING and HOSPITALITY. All the biblical readings insist on the need of welcoming others or the stranger. But today, it is Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Nations, who gives us the key to reading and understanding the message: "Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ." Once in Christ, we are a new creation, called to act in a totally new way.

In the first reading (2 Kgs 4.8-11.14-16), the prophet Elisha is welcomed by a woman from Sunam. This anonymous stranger welcomes the homeless prophet and is very generous towards him because she recognized in him a man of God. In her heart, however, she secretly carries deep suffering and great frustration. According to her, there is no solution: She has no children and her husband is an old man. In return, she is blessed. The prophet Elisha promises her that she will have a son. His despair turns to joy.

Welcomed with joy and honor, Elisha understands in turn how important it is to be attentive to the needs of the Shunammite. Listening to her confidences, and sharing her joys and sorrows was also part of the welcome. She made some expenses to accommodate her guest. But beyond the quantity or the luxury of the means, the important thing is the quality of the reception and the exchanges that it gives way to. This conviction of Christians is rooted in the Old Testament: Through the people we meet, it is God who comes to us; it is God whom we welcome or reject. The Shunammite of the 8th century BC could easily meet the criteria that the Master imposes on his own: “By your welcome and your brotherly love, they will recognize that you are my disciples. »

The most important day of our life is the day of our baptism, says St Paul (Rom 6,3-4.8-11). We are dead to sin and we are alive in Christ, immersed in new life. It's quite a new birth. The Church welcomes us into the family of Christians. In baptism, we have met Christ. In addition, since then we walk with Him from death to sin to life in Him.

The Gospel of Matthew (10, 37-42) also speaks to us of hospitality. Jesus' message is clear. He instructs his apostles on their calling and vocation. The first step is the reference to the first Commandment: to love and prefer God above all. The Father's will takes absolute priority in their choices, decisions, and actions. God must be number ONE in their life.

Jesus makes it very clear that our love for him must come before all family ties: « He who loves his father, his mother, his brothers, his sisters, and his children more than me is not worthy of me. » They must follow Christ and be ready to sacrifice everything for him. In return, anyone who welcomes them or welcomes strangers, or those in need welcomes God himself.

This message is addressed to the Apostles and not to the big crowd. They gave up everything and made a radical choice for Jesus. He called them to follow him. Jesus is not a teacher among others; He is the Son of God. He is therefore above man. It is he alone whom we can and must love more than the people who are dear to us.

Thus, the Lord calls all the baptized to be “disciples and missionaries.” As disciples, we follow Him. As missionaries, we must announce Him. To welcome Christ, to prefer him to everything, to be inhabited by him, this is what is proposed to us. Jesus ends this sermon by telling the disciples: “Whoever gives a drink of water to one of these little ones in his capacity as a disciple, amen I say to you, will not remain without reward. » At the Eucharistic table, God welcomes us. Then He sends us. To Welcome and to Love bring more joy to the heart than all the treasures in the world.

Exclusive - Trump, longtime admirer of Putin, says aborted mutiny 'somewhat weakened' Russian leader 
 
 Steve Holland and Nathan Layne
 

Thu, June 29, 2023at 7:19 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Thursday Putin has been "somewhat weakened" by an aborted mutiny and that now is the time for the United States to try to broker a negotiated peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
 "I want people to stop dying over this ridiculous war," Trump told Reuters in a telephone interview.
 Speaking expansively about foreign policy, the front-runner in opinion polls for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination also said China should be given a 48-hour deadline to get out of what sources familiar with the matter say is a Chinese spy capability on the island of Cuba 90 miles (145 km) off the U.S. coast.
 On Ukraine, Trump did not rule out that the Kyiv government might have to concede some territory to Russia in order to stop the war, which began with Russian forces invading Ukraine 16 months ago. He said everything would be "subject to negotiation", if he were president, but that Ukrainians who have waged a vigorous fight to defend their land have "earned a lot of credit."
 "I think they would be entitled to keep much of what they've earned and I think that Russia likewise would agree to that. You need the right mediator, or negotiator, and we don't have that right now," he said.
 U.S. President Joe Biden and NATO allies want Russia out of territory it has seized in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive that has made small gains in driving out Russian forces.
 Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last year proposed a 10-point peace plan, which calls on Russia to withdraw all of its troops.
 "I think the biggest thing that the U.S. should be doing right now is making peace - getting Russia and Ukraine together and making peace. You can do it," Trump said. "This is the time to do it, to get the two parties together to force peace."
 As president, Trump developed friendly relations with Putin, who Biden said on Wednesday has "become a bit of pariah around the world" for invading Ukraine.
 Trump said Putin had been damaged by an uprising by the Russian mercenary force, the Wagner Group, and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, last weekend.
 "You could say that he's (Putin) still there, he's still strong, but he certainly has been I would say somewhat weakened at least in the minds of a lot of people," he said.
 If Putin were no longer in power, however, "you don't know what the alternative is. It could be better, but it could be far worse," Trump said.
 As for war crime charges levied against Putin by the International Criminal Court last March, Trump said Putin's fate should be discussed when the war is over "because right now if you bring that topic up you'll neve rmake peace, you'll never make a settlement."
 Trump was adamantly opposed to China's spy base on Cuba and said if Beijing refused to accept his 48-hour demand for shutting it down, a Trump administration would impose new tariffs on Chinese goods.
 As president, Trump adopted a tougher stance on China while claiming a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping that soured over the coronavirus pandemic.
 "I'd give them 48 hours to get out. And if they didn't get out, I'd charge them a 100% tariff on everything they sell to the United States, and they'd be gone within two days. They'd be gone within one hour," Trump said.
 Trump was mum on whether the United States would support Taiwan militarily if China invaded the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.
 "I don't talk about that. And the reason I don't is because it would hurt my negotiating position," he said. "All I can tell you is for four years, there was no threat. And it wouldn't happen if I were president."
 
(Reporting by Steve Holland, Nathan Layne, additional reporting by Kanishka Singh, editing by Ross Colvin and Grant McCool)

Détails

Catégorie : What's up Little Haiti

Création : 22 juin 2023

 Caribbean Leaders Rule Out Sending Troops to Haiti

VOA News

Caribbean leaders attending an annual trade bloc meeting say they will not send a force to Haiti to help stop worsening gang violence in that country.

The spiraling violence in Haiti has been a key topic at the 15-member CARICOM meeting in the Bahamas with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry asking for an international military intervention to stop the gang attacks in his country.

When asked by VOA's Creole Service about possible troop involvement in Haiti, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said, "No, we are not sending troops. That much I can answer."

In October, Haiti requested help from the United Nations Security Council and has suggested the U.S. and Canada lead a force. No such intervention has come together, and neither country has offered to take the lead.

The prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, said Friday that CARICOM was working on a project for strengthening the Haitian police and security.

He told VOA's Creole Service that a working group set up to help resolve the crisis in Haiti would expand to include political actors there who signed a December accord. That agreement aims to pave the way for new elections in Haiti and the establishment of a transitional council.

Gonsalves said the effort would help Haiti move toward both a political and a security solution.

"Let them work in tandem," he said.

Also Friday, Haiti's prime minister welcomed action by the United States and Canada to sanction Haitian individuals believed to be connected to the gang violence.

Henry also said that Haiti sanctioned two more Haitian politicians with alleged ties to the gangs.

Haiti has seen a surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings blamed on gangs emboldened since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

At the opening meeting Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett reiterated the preference for finding a Haiti-led solution to the country's challenges.

"Even as progress is being made on some fronts, CARICOM and indeed the wider international community continue to struggle to help Haiti resolve its multifaceted crises," Barnett said. "We will continue our efforts to assist all stakeholders in Haiti to ensure a Haitian-owned resolution to the crises."

Barnett said the region's leaders "will have to show the resilience and fortitude of the Haitian people" in resolving regional challenges and improving the lives of people in the Caribbean community. She added that the goal is creating a "safe, sustainable, prosperous and viable community for all."

In addition to leaders from CARICOM's 15 member states, representatives from other nations, including Canada and the United States, are participating in the meeting.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday that Canada would send navy vessels to Haiti for intelligence-gathering as part of efforts to mitigate the gang violence.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.

Haiti PM at crisis talks in Jamaica 'to listen'

The Gleaner - Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry says he is attending crisis talks in Jamaica 'to listen' and help determine how the country can rebuild from the latest rounds of political and economic turmoil. 

"We did not come here to negotiate for another agreement. We are here to listen... talk about... the next steps we have to take to rebuild our democracy," Henry said Sunday morning at the Liberty Hall at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston. 

Henry noted that agreements have struck in the past and acknowledged that critics may also point to previous consultations involving political and civil society stakeholders.

The three-day consultation involves representatives from various groups in the French-speaking CARICOM country of more than 12 million people. It is being facilitated by CARICOM's Eminent Persons Group - Bruce Golding (Jamaica), Perry Christie (Bahamas) and Dr Kenny Anthony (St Lucia) - all former prime ministers. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Golding said he hopes the Haitian representatives will see Jamaica as a "comfortable space in which to wrestle" with the challenges confronting their society.

"Yes, the discussions will most likely be contentious at times. Yes, ideas will be put forward that will attract criticism and objection. Yes, each of you must have the opportunity to put forward your positions firmly. We ask only that it be done respectfully, with a willingness not just to listen to contending views but to consider their merits before brushing them aside," he said. 

CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett said the meeting "will enable the dialogue necessary to develop a roadmap towards a Haitian-led solution". She continued: "Let it be very clear Haiti is important to CARICOM. Haiti is our single largest member state; Haiti is the first free Black republic in the world, the first independent state in the Caribbean and the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere."

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has been leading CARICOM's response to the Haitian situation, said Jamaica is "honoured" to host the parties "at a time when dialogue, at the highest possible level, is essential, necessary and critical to achieving consensus".

"We recognise the importance of making every effort to find solutions," he added. These latest consultations are resulting from a CARICOM delegation Holness led to Haiti in February for high-level talks with government officials and members of civil society. 

During a visit to Jamaica last month, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged that Jamaica was the first country to have expressed a willingness to be part of an international police force to quell the bloodletting in the State that is torn by gang warfare and political upheavals. But he said there has been a reluctance on the part of the countries that have a stronger capacity to be able to lead this kind of operation.

Guterres said the reluctance by the international community to intervene can only be addressed by putting in place a political process that is credible. That is why the Jamaican initiative is so important, he said.

Powerful gangs have been infiltrating once peaceful communities in the Haitian capital and beyond, with experts estimating that they control more about 60 per cent of the capital Port-au-Prince.

They have pillaged neighbourhoods, raped adults and children and kidnapped hundreds of victims ranging from US missionaries to a hot dog street vendor in a bid to control more territory, with violence worsening since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Haiti has failed to hold elections since Moïse's murder and Henry assumed power shortly after, promising that his administration would do so.

In early January, the terms of the remaining 10 senators expired, leaving no elected officials in place. 

Caribbean leaders have also complained about a surge in migrants that they say is straining the budgets of small islands struggling with the influx of hundreds of Haitians.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world. Recent flooding and an earthquake have exacerbated problems.  

-The Associated Press and Ainsworth Morris contributed to this report. 

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STATEMENT FROM THE MEETING OF THE CARICOM EMINENT PERSONS GROUP WITH HAITIAN STAKEHOLDERS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA

A wide cross-section of Haitian stakeholders, a microcosm of Haitian society, met in Kingston, Jamaica, at the invitation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 11-13 June 2023.  Stakeholders welcomed the inclusive nature of the meeting.

The meeting sought to facilitate inclusive dialogue among Haitian stakeholders in an effort to find a solution to the protracted multi-dimensional crisis in which the country has been mired.

Stakeholders addressed the core issues of the interim governance measures needed to restore confidence in the transition and to ensure that the government could deliver its commitments.  These commitments include the critical issue of security and stability; the organisation of credible general elections to choose a legitimate and representative government; constitutional reform; and the pursuance of fundamental reforms required to preclude a repeat of the current crisis.

Stakeholders widely expressed that there was a need to build confidence and trust in the interim administration in order to effectively address the security crisis and for preparations for elections to commence. In this regard, there was widespread stakeholder support for modification of the structures of government in the interim period.

The Interim Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry, committed to greater inclusiveness in governance through the establishment of a government of national unity, beginning with working with the partners of the December 21 Accord to increase the number of members of the High Transition Council (HCT) in order to include representatives of a wider group of stakeholders. In this regard, the Prime Minister made a statement to the meeting, which is attached.

Several other suggestions were made of mechanisms reflecting the spirit and intent of the Haitian constitution by implementing a governance structure based on a presidency and a prime minister.  Additionally, this structure should adhere to the constitutional requirement that a minimum of 30 percent of decision-making positions be held by women.

The Eminent Persons Group was urged to continue to use CARICOM’s Good Offices to work with all stakeholders to find a definitive solution to the crisis.

The Eminent Persons Group committed to go to Haiti to continue these consultations within the next several weeks. 

CARICOM reiterated its commitment to provide support for the elections including assessment of preparations for and observation of the elections.

Participants thanked CARICOM for initiating this meeting. They also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and People of Jamaica for their warm hospitality and committed to continuing the dialogue as the CARICOM Good Offices process progresses.