KINGSTON, Jamaica – A three day consultation began Jamaica on Sunday with CARICOM countries reiterating their commitment to finding a solution to the political and socio-economic situation in Haiti.
Prime Ministers of the Bahamas, Phillip Davis, (left) Jamaica Andrew Holness (center) and Dr. Ariel Henry of Haiti at the opening ceremony of the conference (CMC Photo)Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis, who is also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, said it was important for all stakeholders, including those in Haiti to commit themselves to trying to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
“Let us commit to try and keep trying and keep on trying until we find a workable solution. We must not give up. Failure is not just an absence of success, failure equals more suffering and death, so failure cannot be an option,” he told the opening ceremony that was attended by representatives of the various social, business and political groups in Haiti.
The event, which has been endorsed by CARICOM leaders following Jamaica’s offer to host the consultations during its participation in a mission to Haiti in February this year, is intended to build consensus and allow for inclusive participation in a neutral environment.
It is also being attended the three-member Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of former prime ministers, Bruce Golding, Perry Christie and Dr. Kenny Anthony, the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett and representatives from international partners and donor support for Haiti.
Phillips urged the delegates to “keep an open mind” in dealing with the Haitian situation, recognizing “that at the end of the you will find a solution.
“It may not be perfect at the end of the day…but at least arrive at a solution that will move in the immediate term, the peace, normalcy and sobriety that's required to move Haiti that magnificent land towards its true promise.
“We have to think its possible that our own ideas may not be perfect. We have to think it possible that listening, empathy and compromise is most likely path to a solution, one which is not perfect for any of us, but by far the best for the Haitian people and the survival of the republic.”
Phillip said that the decision by some of the Haitian representatives “might have been taken at great risk and their own personal safety…but we are grateful for and humbled by your presence.
“We convene this gathering not merely as neighbors, but also as friends and especially as brothers and sisters,” Phillips said, recalling Haiti’s role in the fight for freedom from slavery.
“Today the fight is to end the suffering of the people of Haiti. We have heard the many, many stories of the killings, rapes, the kidnappings, the wanton acts of violence, the robberies and lootings and the intimidation of the gangs….
“My friends we are here to help. Ultimately there must a Haitian solution led by the Haitian people. We have heard the many cries for help and we cannot in good conscience stand by and watch the continuing suffering of the Haitian people.
“To do nothing violates every notion of decency, every idea of being a good neighbor and a fellow human being. We believe that a solution can be found and we are determined to do all that we can to help you find that solution and support its success,” Phillip said.
“We believe in the Haitian people and we believe in the Haitian cause, we believe we can support you and restore your country to a state of normalcy,” the CARICOM chairman added.
Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said Jamaica is honored to have been entrusted by CARICOM to host the talks “at a time when dialogue at the highest possible level is essential, necessary and critical to achieving consensus.
“During our sessions in Haiti there was clear consensus that security was an immediate and critical concern. Some had also expressed, while security is of paramount concern, more inclusive and broader dialogue was necessary.
”It was also made clear on various levels that many Haitian stakeholders would wish to have the opportunity to widen the political consensus towards the holding of national elections under the appropriate conditions.”
Holness said that the Haitians had spoken and CARICOM has listened conscious of the fact that every stage of engagement must facilitate Haitian perspectives “and support Haitian led solutions.
Holness said he is also confident that the members of the EPG, given their experience in governance, democracy and mediation would help in the process of finding a solution.
“These consultations represent in a long tradition of regional solidarity and action in support of Haiti as an integral member of the CARICOM community. We recognize the importance of making every effort to find solutions.
“We are convinced that with the right spirit and opportunities to facilitate inclusive participation in a neutral environment there can be movement in building underground work already laid to advance consensus,” Holness said.
The CARICOM Secretary General said while every Haitian could not attend the event here, those present would bring “the hopes and aspirations of every Haitian citizen.
“We share a common goal that the political socio-economic and humanitarian situation would be resolved and our sister island Haiti can be supported towards sustained stability growth and prosperity,” she said.
