Caribbean News
US backs Kenya and Others Pledge to Stabilise Haiti
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#USA, August 11, 2023 – The United States official clarified their stance following Kenya’s announcement to consider leading a multinational force to Haiti to help pacify the gang ridden nation, saying that while the US is prepared to introduce a resolution for a multinational force themselves, they are waiting on Kenya to specify and detail the help needed upon their planned visit to the Republic, to assess the situation.
This was revealed at a virtual press briefing on Friday August 4th, 2023, held by Barbara Feinstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti Bureau of the Western Hemisphere.
Feinstein gave insight into the worsening atmosphere in Haiti, highlighting “additional atrocities committed by gangs,” and these include “indiscriminate attacks on women and children such as sexual and gender-based violence, widespread kidnappings and extortion,” alongside “other means of harassment.”
She added that these negatively affect food security, the delivery of humanitarian assistance and basic livelihoods.
Additionally, Feinstein pointed out, in response to a question from media, that amid Kenya’s and The Bahamas’ decision regarding the multinational force, other countries have publicly remarked on their willingness to help the struggling democracy back on its feet.
“We have seen similar statements from other countries in the region either formal statements or public comments, and that includes from Trinidad and Tobago, from Jamaica, from The Dominican Republic and the Organization of American States.”
“I think that is evidence that there is strong support for an urgent solution to Haiti’s crisis and offers of support to that end,” she added.
In continuation, the Deputy Assistant (Secretary of State) made sure to highlight that as these decisions are pending, “the US continues to pursue a comprehensive approach in Haiti in support for security, specifically assistance to strengthen, train and equip the Haitian National Police, as well as humanitarian economic and health assistance to improve livelihoods and safeguard critical gains.”
In commending Kenya for taking the lead for the Multinational Force, Feinstein echoed Secretary Antony Blinken, who applauded the African nation for stepping in to consider steering the vehicle to Haiti’s comeback.
Present at the briefing were media representatives from The Bahamas, Guyana, South Africa , the Miami Herald and Reuters.
Photo Caption: On July 25, U.S GENERAL PAYS COURTESY CALL TO THE KDF CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCES AT ULINZI HOUSE. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla hosted the Commander U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), General Bryan P. Fenton at the Defence Headquarters, Nairobi.
Credit: Kenya Defence Forces
KINGSTON, April 29 (JIS):
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the outcome of discussions arising from the Jamaica National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services and the 1st National Climate Forum (NCF-1) will assist in guiding the Government’s planning for climate change.
This, he points out, is important for climate mitigation as well as building Jamaica’s resilience.
“We look forward to the discussions that will, no doubt, take place. We look forward to the basis of planning for the Government to streamline its investments to ensure you have the tools that you need to better advise us, that the WRA (Water Resources Authority) has the tools to digitise its monitoring network, and that all of the agencies that touch our planning mechanisms have the tools. But we need to know what we are facing, and we’re guided by your expertise,” Minister Samuda said.
He was addressing the opening ceremony for the Jamaica National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services and the 1st National Climate Forum (NCF-1) at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in New Kingston on Monday (April 29).
Senator Samuda said given the fact that the climate has changed and continues to do so, investments in and collaborations on building Jamaica’s predictive and scientific capacity must be prioritised.
“Ultimately, we need to be able to assess our current climatic realities if we are to better plan, if we’re to insist and ensure that our infrastructure meets the needs that we need it to. I’m very happy that this event is happening… because this is a critical issue.
“Jamaica, last year, faced its worst and most severe drought… and this year, we’re already seeing the impacts of not quite as severe a drought but, certainly, a drought with severe impacts, especially in the western part of the country,” he said.
Principal Director, Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Evan Thompson, explained that the forum aims to, among other things, establish a collaboration platform for climate services providers and users to understand risks and opportunities of past, present and future climate developments, as well as improve inter-agency coordination of policies, plans and programmes.
Among the other presenters were Ambassador, European Union to Jamaica, Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen; Chief Scientist/Climatologist, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, Adrian Trotman; and Head, Regional Climate Prediction Services, World Meteorological Organization, Wilfran Moufouma-Okia.
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica hosted the Jamaica National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services and the 1st National Climate Forum (NCF-1) in partnership with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology and the World Meteorological Organization.
The National Stakeholder Consultation is a governance mechanism that guides how different sectors or actors work together to create products that contribute to adaptation and resilience-building. It seeks to create a road map for the development and implementation of climate services to inform decision-making.
NCF-1 aims to bridge the gap between climate providers and users. It increases the use of science-based information in decision-making and operations with the aim of generating and delivering co-produced and co-designed products and services.
CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON
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