Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described as “utter disregard,disrespect and contempt for CARICOM heads,” a recent opinion piece by Haiti’s Foreign Minister Bocchit Edmond.
In the article titled “CARICOM unity is under strain,” Edmond wrote: “CARICOM, the group of 20 Caribbean states, has been a case study of a union that genuinely works. It is a remarkably successful project that has allowed us Caribbean states to punch above our weight on the international stage. For decades, despite our geographical and political differences, this family of nations has worked together with cohesion on matters of domestic, regional and foreign policy. Working by consensus has always been crucial to our success.
It is unfortunate, therefore, that on the occasion of the 31st Intersessional Conference of Heads of Government, in Barbados, we are divided on the two major foreign policy issues of 2020.”
But the Antigua and Barbuda leader said this is utter disregard,disrespect and contempt for CARICOM heads, coming from a Foreign Minister of the Community.
Browne said Edmond is seeking to justify Haiti’s “brown-nosing of the policies of others, in lieu of their protection, to keep Moïse and his regime in power.”
Edmond noted in the article that: “The issue is the deeply polarising constitutional crisis in Venezuela, with some nations supporting Nicolas Maduro’s claim to power, and others supporting Juan Guaido. For Haiti, our decision is rooted in a desire to see democracy and self-determination for the Venezuelan people, who have for too long been denied the right to select their leader. We have chosen to recognise Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela in line with the country’s constitution.
What happens in Venezuela matters profoundly to all Caribbean nations as our futures are interconnected. It’s right that we focus attention on the issue. CARICOM countries are united on principles of non-intervention and a commitment to a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis of legitimacy. We cannot allow this issue to drive a wedge between us. It is our belief that all of CARICOM’s member states will benefit from a peaceful, swift, and democratic resolution which follows the will of the Venezuelan people.”
To this Prime Minister Browne said: “Unfortunately, while the protectors of the regime turn a blind eye, the crisis in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating, making the situation in Venezuela pale in comparison.
“In light of the prevailing circumstances, Maduro’s regime has greater legitimacy than Moïse’s regime, yet Edmond has the unmitigated gall to condemn Maduro’s administration, while his government is ruling by decree against the will of the majority of the Haitian people.
It is Haiti and those who follow them, to promote the agenda of others, that are dividing CARICOM and placing CARICOM’s unity under strain,” Prime Minister Browne added.
Just last week the U.N. envoy for Haiti, Helen La Lime, said the political impasse that has paralyzed Haiti is sending its economy deeper into recession, with 4.6 million people needing humanitarian aid — and there is no immediate end in sight.
La Lime told the U.N. Security Council that the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country is about to enter a second year with a caretaker government.
She warned that the effects of the strained economy and prolonged political polarization “risk further affecting the integrity and effectiveness of key institutions, such as the Haitian National Police.”
Where was Antigua when Haiti helped liberate Venezuela via Simon Bolivar and other world powers? Prime Minister Gaston Browne should learn about that before saying that Haiti is Brown Nosing other countries and following their agenda. When was the last time Antigua truly helped other countries anywhere in the world. Can’t find that answer anywhere in world history. Yes we have our own internal issues, but we do not accuse Antigua of Brown Nosing and breaking up a Caribbean Alliance. He should keep such comments to himself.