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Not even the US can get Canada into Haiti, now what?
By Deandrea Hamilton and Rashaed Esson
Editorial Staff
#Canada, March 27, 2023 – No deal. Canada is sticking to its plan and will not send military force into Haiti. This despite a plea from Joe Biden, the President of the United States of America who would have made the suggestion in person during a two day, one night visit to Canada last week.
While it is unclear what exactly this means for an end to the abuses and anarchy which are stymying the restoration of Haiti’s democracy, it is clearly a dismal outcome from that bi-lateral conversation.
Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister announced on Friday at a Joint Conference with Joe Biden in Ottawa, during his visit last week – March 23-24 – that Canada is prepared to provide $100 million Canadian dollars to fortify the Haitian National Police Force amid the humanitarian crisis in the Republic.
It’s the same stance taken with CARICOM leaders by Trudeau in February; they had also hoped for Canadian forces
to physically help in shutting down the gangs which have built themselves up as the unofficial government of Haiti. The brutality of these gangs is rampant, unprecedented and unable to be corralled by the current manpower of the Haitian National Police.
At this point, this is indisputably the path Canada has decided to take despite the US President’s hope Canada would commission troops to the republic. The US had believed, according to media reports, its history of stepping in would have given them exemption from calming this current chaos.
Trudeau dashed that hope, siding with his Cabinet to resist the temptation of marshaling military muscle to Haiti. Not only has Canada emphatically expressed that it lacks the capacity to quell the violence, but it also doubts any effort of intervention would work.
“Outside intervention, as we’ve done in the past, hasn’t worked to create long-term stability for Haiti, so we are now working closely with partners on the ground to enable the Haitian National Police and other institutions to stabilize the country in this very difficult time,” he said to Newfoundland reporters recently, prior to Biden’s visit.
The American president, who is the first to visit in seven years and the first to overnight in Canada in many more, showed a brave face when questioned about Canada’s decision not to put boots on the ground.
“No, I am not disappointed.”
Meanwhile the United Nations has reported that this year alone, Gangs have killed 531 people, kidnapped 177 and have injured some 300 others even as Cholera ravages thousands of the millions who are malnourished and starving in Haiti; which sits a stone’s throw away from the United States.
Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.
Our world is unequal and divided.
Hunger and poverty are rife.
The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
We can choose to eradicate poverty.
We can choose to end inequality.
We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.
We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.
Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.
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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) set to strengthen Africa-CARICOM linkages
Speakers at ACTIF will include global superstars Viola Davis, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba and African and CARICOM Heads of States
Nassau, Bridgetown, Georgetown, May 28, 2024 – Excitement mounts as The Bahamas prepares to host the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from 12 – 14 June 2024 in The Bahamas. Themed “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” ACTIF2024 is set to forge significant pathways for economic prosperity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Other distinguished speakers will include Heads of State from seven CARICOM countries, former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Trade,
Economic Development and Finance, Dr. Roger W Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA, Prof. Andreas Klasen, Professor of International Business and Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation at Offenburg, and many more.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said: “We are witnessing shifts in the global economic landscape and the trade strategies of major economies, making it imperative for African and Caribbean nations to unite for mutual prosperity. The Afreximbank Annual Meetings and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in The Bahamas will serve as a strategic platform to enhance our economic bonds. These events indicate a vibrant assertion of our shared destiny. We are poised to harness the dynamic economic growth within our regions, enhancing our collective resilience and prosperity.”
The event promises to be a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on economic development and regional integration.
Building on the successes of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022 and the gathering last year in Guyana, this year’s Forum in The Bahamas will further elevate and expand upon the discussions and initiatives previously set in motion. ACTIF2023, which focused on strengthening economic bonds and creating new investment opportunities, sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration between Africa and the CARICOM nations.
Afreximbank invites industry leaders, trade organisations and other stakeholders in the CARICOM region to participate and attend.
Registration is now open at https://2024.afreximbankevents.com.
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