Prime Minister Andrew Holness and a CARICOM delegation of leaders were this evening (February 27) convening high level talks with government officials and civil society in Haiti.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the leaders were hearing from the relevant stakeholders and determining a path towards consensus building for the restoration of political and security stability in Haiti.

Holness and the other CARICOM leaders have so far had the convened meetings along with Canada on security.

They have also met with the High Transition Council and the Political Accord groups.

“At this hour, the CARICOM delegation is meeting with the political parties and civil society groups which will be followed by the private sector and religious groups,” the OPM said.

Concerning the meetings, Holness said: “While the meetings are ongoing, a common theme expressed by each group is the urgency of national security and the need to safeguard the Haitian population from gangs. Underpinning this is a call for organic democracy, institution building, structure and organisation.”

He added: “CARICOM is anxious to play a role in the restoration of stability in Haiti and will be a strong advocate for support to Haiti, as well as a facilitator for the process of consensus building. We express solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters not only in words, but in deeds.

“We want to see Haiti fulfil its promise as the first free black nation and are committed to working with Haiti to find a path to a resolution.”

For their part, the OPM said, the stakeholders have welcomed the special mission and say they are comforted that CARICOM is listening and exploring ways to offer support both for political stability and national security.