Canadian Prime Minister holds talks with Caribbean leaders on Haiti

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

October 28, 2022 – The collapse of Haiti’s security and humanitarian systems was the topic of the recent round of talks between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

A statement from the office of the Prime Minister over the weekend said the leaders at the latest round of talks were concerned about “ongoing unrest and suffering” that Haitians were experiencing due to gang violence.

The statement mentioned that Prime Minister Trudeau discussed how Canada in partnership with the US has assisted Haiti recently with armoured vehicles and supplies for the Haitian National Police (HNP).

Trudeau said Canada has donated ten million Canadian dollars while the US donated three million US dollars to the Joint Program for the Haitian National Police United Nations Development Program basket fund.  He also encouraged CARICOM member states to contribute to the fund.

The leaders believe that sanctions should be put in place to hold gangs accountable and end corruption in Haiti.  They added that it is essential that the member states work together in response to Haiti’s humanitarian and security crises.