Caribbean leaders convened with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Georgetown, Guyana, on Sunday to address the persistent gang violence plaguing Haiti. However, discussions were overshadowed by concerns over Henry’s leadership, with some leaders expressing doubts about his ability to steer the country out of its current crisis.
Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell, speaking to The Associated Press, underscored the opposition to Henry’s continued tenure as prime minister among various factions within Haiti. While regional organizations like the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have been actively engaged in efforts to support Haiti, the question of Henry’s legitimacy remains a significant obstacle to progress.
Mitchell highlighted the complexities surrounding Henry’s potential removal, emphasizing the need for a political solution to the crisis. The international community, he noted, is closely monitoring the situation in Haiti and the implications of any leadership changes on the country’s stability and governance.
In response to calls for his resignation, Prime Minister Henry dismissed them as attempts to seize power, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in addressing Haiti’s challenges. Despite growing pressure, Henry asserted that meaningful change can only be achieved through collective action and cooperation.
The meeting comes in the wake of recent violent protests across Haiti demanding Henry’s resignation, underscoring the deep-seated discontent and frustration among segments of the Haitian population. Against this backdrop, Caribbean leaders are grappling with the delicate task of finding a way forward amidst escalating violence and political uncertainty.
The closed-door discussions in Guyana set the stage for further deliberations during the upcoming Caricom summit, where regional leaders will continue to engage with Haiti and explore avenues for resolving the crisis. With international attention focused on Haiti’s plight, the outcome of these deliberations will shape the trajectory of the country’s future and its quest for stability and prosperity.
