ACP condemns violence in Haiti

CMC – The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) has expressed “deep concern” at the ongoing political situation in Haiti where opposition forces have been staging street demonstrations in a bid to force President Jovenel Moise out of office.

ACP Secretary General, Dr. P.I. Gomes said that he condemns the perpetration of the violence and deplores the loss of life in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, which is also a member of the 79-member CP grouping.

The Guyanese born diplomat said that he was urging “all the parties to refrain from any further action that could exacerbate the situation” and also called on the Haitian authorities to “exercise maximum restraint in responding to any acts of provocation by the protestors”.

Opposition political parties have been staging street demonstrations in support of their calls for President Moise to step down, after accusing him of not investigating allegations of corruption in the previous government over PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. At least eight people have died since the start of the demonstrations on February 13.

Gomes said he was also appealing to the Haitian political leadership to exercise “its collective responsibility to pursue constructive engagement in order to address the country’s pressing challenges.

“The ACP Group hails the efforts of the United Nations, the international community and regional groups that are supporting efforts to bring a lasting solution to the crisis in Haiti,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Pastors of Petit-Goâve have issued a statement on the situation in Haiti.

“It is with great sadness that the League of Pastors of Petit-Goâve notes the collapse of Haiti : the people are starving; there is no water, the hospitals are dysfunctional; life is expensive ; the school cannot function normally; there is no electricity; the country’s economy is deteriorating; violence is being waged against lives and property, both public and private, and insecurity is in full swing.

“The League of Pastors of Petit-Goâve condemns, with all its strength, the acts of violence perpetrated throughout the country and recognizes that the people have the right to demonstrate in accordance with the Constitution in order to demand respect for their rights to nutrition, health and education.”

Earlier this week, at least 62 legislators have adopted a resolution that they say would help resolve the crisis.

In the resolution, the deputies call on the government to continue the dialogue with the various stakeholders as well as to take all the necessary measures to restore order and public security.

They are also calling on the authorities to enforce the law on the price of petroleum products and to set, with the Superior Council of Wages (CSS), as soon as possible, a new minimum wage not less than 600 Gourdes (One Gourde=US$0.012 cents).

Duering the week, President Moïse  met with the former provisional president, Jocelerme Privert, as part of the initiative after the government indicated that persons who have had the opportunity to serve the Republic can, through their experiences, contribute to the search for adequate answers to the ongoing political situation.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant announced a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of living and providing employment for Haitians.