Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has reaffirmed Jamaica’s strong support for Haiti, calling on CARICOM to intensify its push for international assistance to deploy a multinational force and advance long-term development initiatives.

Speaking on Sunday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre as he assumed the role of CARICOM chair at the 49th Conference of Heads of Government, Holness said CARICOM must protect Haitians from gang violence.

“We cannot be true to our CARICOM principles if we leave our brothers and sisters in Haiti at the mercy of gangs,” Holness said. “The appetite to support Haiti has slowed. We must reignite it.”

Holness assured that during his stewardship of CARICOM, advancing regional security and assistance for Haiti would remain among his top priorities.

Meanwhile, outgoing CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley, who is also Prime Minister of Barbados expressed that “the world really needs a check on itself when it comes to Haiti”. 

“In Haiti, more people were killed last year and many months of last year than were killed in any other country on Earth, including those that were at war and the subject of military conflict. And in spite of that, and in spite of the promises, the world has been unable to move beyond the promises and the platitudes that would bring help to the people of Haiti. I’m not only talking about the loss of life, I’m talking about the displacement of citizens from their homes. I’m talking equally on the food insecurity of the people of Haiti,” Mottley charged. 

“Let us be real, our capacity as a Caribbean community has limits, purely because of size and capacity. Financially, we can help as best we can, as we must, but the world is what is needed as well at this point in time,” she added.

Mottley argued that while the deployment of Kenyan troops to support Haiti’s police against gangs is commendable, it is not enough without proper equipment and support. She emphasised the need for honest discussions about what is realistically possible for both Haiti and the international community, warning that without this, ordinary Haitians will continue to have their lives and dignity at risk.

She added that “the pace at which progress is needed must be expedited if we are not to see more and more people suffer at the same time”.