The United States has given full support to the installation of the CARICOM-proposed Transitional Presidential Council to oversee the transition of governance in crisis-torn Haiti, as it announced that it will be increasing funding support for the multinational mission.

U.S. Secretary of State Atony Blinken expressed full support for proposal as he announced an additional US$100 million in support during high-level talks on the Haiti crisis at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston yesterday. Blinken said that with the additional sum, the total U.S. support for the mission will now move to US$300 million. Another US$33 million will also be provided by the U.S. for humanitarian aid.

CARICOM has welcomed the resignation of Ariel Henry as prime minister of the crisis-torn, French-speaking country to allow for the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council.

The Transitional Presidential Council is comprised of seven voting members and two non-voting observers. The seven voting members will comprise one representative from each of the following groups: Collectif, December 21, EDE/RED/Compris Historique, Lavalas, Montana, Pitit Desalin, and the Private Sector. The non-voting members will representative one member from civil society and one member of the InterFaith community.

The council will exercise specified presidential authorities during the transition, operating by majority vote.

The mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council includes:

• Swiftly select and appoint an interim prime minister;
• Together with the interim prime minister appoint an inclusive council of ministers;
• Hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency during the transition period until an elected government is established.
• Co-sign the orders, decrees and to sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers
• Set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and establish the Provisional Electoral Council;
• Make arrangements for a peaceful transition, ensure continuity of governance, and establish a national security council;
• Continue collaboration with all members of the international community for the accelerated deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorised by UNSCR 2699/2023.

According to a statement from the CARICOM Secretariat, “It is agreed that implementation of these measures will be conducted in parallel. The parties also made specific, individual commitments regarding principles of inclusion, integrity, a restoration of peace, and an orderly transition of power.

“Haitian participants must now fully implement their commitments. Haitians deserve a country where children can go to school and their parents know they will be safe. We commend the willingness and courage of Haitian stakeholders to commit to put Haiti back on a path toward democracy, stability, and prosperity. With a framework in place that illuminates a path forward, it is incumbent upon all Haitians to give the agreement a chance to work, to enter into a process of national dialogue, and to lay the groundwork for a transition that is based on inclusivity, encourages participation by all stakeholders, and paves the way for elections as soon as possible. This is the only sustainable path to a future of strong democratic institutions, peaceful resolution of conflict, and security and prosperity for all Haitians.”