Former Haitian Prime Minister demands apology from Canada 

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#Haiti, November 25, 2022 – Following accusations of financing gangs and criminal activity in Haiti, former Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe has requested an apology from Canada.  Lamothe said he learned of the allegations through social media and was quite shocked.

He believes false information from his detractors was the cause of the “arbitrary decision” made by the Canadian government.

Five days ago, CBC News reported that:  “Canada has expanded its economic sanctions freezing the Canadian assets of Haitian political elites to include former president Michel Martelly and former prime ministers Laurent Lamothe and Jean-Henry Céant.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly accused the trio this weekend of helping gangs undermine Haiti’s current government and called on international partners to follow Canada’s lead.”

Referencing his track record of fighting crime and maintaining law and order in the country, Lamothe said Canada’s accusation was absurd and inconsistent.

Lamothe called on the Canadian government to verify their sources and provide evidence for their accusations.  He added, however, that there is no concrete evidence which could prove his involvement with financing any criminal activity.

“I demand a public apology and reserve the right to go to the Canadian courts for the sake of defending my honour and integrity,” Lamothe said.