CARICOM Eminent Persons Group Arrives in Haiti

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has arrived in Haiti as regional leaders prepare to meet virtually on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing socio-economic and political situation in the country.

Members of the EPG during the inaugural meeting with Haitian stakeholders held in Jamaica (File Photo)The EPG is led by the former prime minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony and includes the former prime minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding and his former Bahamian counterpart Perry Christie.

The EPG is due to remain here until September 10 holding discussions with the various stakeholders with a view to finding a political compromise aimed at stabilizing the country and promoting a democratic transition.

Last week, CARICOM chairman and Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, confirming the virtual summit said the EPG has been engaging a wide cross section of the population, representative groups and have also been having discussions with the United Nations as well as other stakeholders in the United States and Canada.

Reports in Port au Prince say the EPG should submit a document to the stakeholders for a possible political agreement which includes, among other things, the balance of powers between the executive actors, the inclusion and the responsibility of the High Transitional Council, the Control Body of the Government action, a government of national unity and the operations of the Council of Ministers

Last year, Haiti’s Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry, sent an urgent appeal to the UN asking for “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity” to stop gang warfare in his country.