Durrant Pate/Contributor

As the security and economic situation in Haiti stagnates with no sign of any immediate abatement, the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) is calling for an urgent meeting with regional stakeholders.

The three-member EPG, comprising former prime ministers Bruce Golding (Jamaica), Perry Christie (The Bahamas), and Dr Kenny Anthony (St. Lucia), has been in contact with the nominating stakeholders in Haiti to ascertain their willingness to meet.

The EPG is also seeking to undertake an exchange on the present situation in Haiti at this critical point in time in the transition process. 

In this regard, the views of the stakeholders would be of importance when the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government meets in Jamaica early next month to discuss regional issues on their agenda, amongst which the situation in Haiti and the bloc’s continued support for the Haitian people and country will be given priority treatment.

The EPG has also been contributing to the advocacy on behalf of Haiti being carried out by CARICOM Heads of Government. Its views on the situation have also been sought by international partners, as well as its participation in recent international and regional meetings on the Haitian crisis.

CARICOM Heads of Government appointed the EPG back in May 2023 to represent them to extend the region’s good offices to the Government of Haiti and Haitian stakeholders in the aftermath of the country being overrun by criminal gangs following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The group’s primary mandate is to initiate and oversee CARICOM’s provision of good offices support in designated priority areas, including security, governance, the electoral process, and long-term development planning and advocacy. It is also mandated to liaise with key international partners and agencies.

A technical team, comprised of experts from CARICOM member states, the CARICOM Secretariat and regional specialised agencies, helps in supporting the EPG.