Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 4, 2023 – The Bahamian Government is standing by Kenya which is considering to lead a multinational force in Haiti, sending 1000 police officers to be a part of that force as announced.  For this, The Bahamas is committed to send 150 people to support the cause.

This comes as the humanitarian crisis affecting the republic escalates.  They are waiting on authorization from the United Nations Security Council to make the next move, sending the 150 personnel to Haiti.

“We now urge the passing of a UN Security Council Resolution in support of this force,” The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The Bahamas’ decision comes following a request made by Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary General on Monday July 31st, 2023, for Haiti’s neighbors to join Kenya in its decision to help the republic, standing “with persons of African descent across the world,” as expressed by Alfred Mutua, Kenyan Foreign Minister.

Additionally, in its statement, The Bahamas highlighted that it was happy to work with Kenya, reiterating the goal to stand with people of “African descent,” including those in the Caribbean,” as well as other countries in the hemisphere.

“We also look forward to cooperating with hemispheric partners including the United States and Canada,” Nassau stated, further pointing out that The Bahamas will continue to support the CARICOM led Eminent Persons Group, which includes Perry Christie, former Bahamas prime minister and his colleagues Dr. Kenny Anthony of St Lucia, and Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and the Organization of American States’ Haiti Working Group chaired by Trinidad and Tobago.

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, commended Kenya for “considering to serve as the lead nation” for the multinational force and expressed support for its authorization from a UN Security Council Resolution.

These efforts are crucial to restoring Haiti to a properly functioning Caribbean Island like its neighboring islands. This was put forth in The Bahamas’ statement which said, “These regional and Diasporic approaches to addressing insecurity caused by gang violence are critical to creating a safe space to foster political consensus and to restore democratic order.”

Haiti is now getting the help it deserves following last month’s appeal by Guterres to the UN Security Council and major potential contributing countries, to quickly act towards the deployment of multinational forces to the country. Also, this comes after Dr. Ariel Henry, Haiti’s Prime Minister appealed to the UN for the “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity,” to combat worsening gang activity.

Staff Writer 

July 7, 2023 – António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations joined Caribbean Leaders at the 45th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting this year as the organization marked its 50th anniversary.

Also attending the event with the full complement of regional members of CARICOM was Han Duck-Soo, South Korean Prime Minister; Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; and Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.

During the Opening Ceremony, both full member states and associate members like the Turks and Caicos were recognized and their leaders invited on stage.

E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier, represented the Turks and Caicos in that capacity.

Following a full day of celebratory events on July 4th marking the Golden Jubilee, the Caribbean Community moved into its final day of meetings on July 5th.

Held in Trinidad and Tobago, this year’s Heads of Government Meeting returned to where the Organization was founded and Secretary General Carla Barnett indicated this year’s meeting would focus on Food Security, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Climate Change and other pressing Issues.

Staff Writer

#USA, February 2, 2023 – A private sponsorship program launched by the United States will allow Caribbean refugees to be sponsored by Americans via the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).  The Welcome Corps will then ensure that refugees settle into their new communities smoothly.

“This programme invites Americans to be partners and guides to refugees, as they build new lives in the United States and help them realise their full potential,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said.

He said the private sponsors will come from groups such as veterans, civic groups, colleges, members of faith and business owners.  By the end of the program’s first year, the aim is to rally a minimum of 10,000 sponsors who will successfully welcome at least 5000 refugees.

The Biden administration had previously announced that a limit of 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua would be implemented.  United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman, Yvette D Clarke opposed this decision.

“Unfortunately, the recently announced reforms from President Biden and his administration fail to deliver the change migrant communities deserve and have prayed for,” she said.

The re-evaluated decision now offers legal routes for migrants from the Caribbean and other countries to enter the US.  In addition, new consequences will be implemented for those who choose to use illegal pathways.

Staff Writer

#Haiti, October 13, 2022 – The government of Haiti has decided to seek aid from international forces to help deal with the significant rise in gang violence that has gravely impacted the country.

Reports are that the Haitian government authorised Ariel Henry, Prime Minister of Haiti to ask “Haiti’s international partners” to help with the “immediate deployment of a specialised armed force” to address the growing security crisis.

On Sunday, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to consider “as of matter of urgency” the request by the Haitian government for the immediate deployment of an international specialized armed force in the country.

The Secretary-General said the force would address the humanitarian crisis, including securing the free movement of water, fuel, food and medical supplies from main ports and airports to communities and healthcare facilities.

While addressing the Organization of American States (OAS) summit in Lima, Peru, on October 7, the Foreign Minister of Haiti, Jean Victor Genius, also made a plea for international police support, noting that the economic situation in his country was “catastrophic”.

During the OAS summit, the Secretary of State for the United States, Antony Blinken, said Washington was committed to restoring security in Haiti.

In recent months violence has increased throughout Haiti, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince, with armed gangs fighting for control of key roads and neighbourhoods.

In addition to this, the country has been facing a massive water shortage, the shutdown of ports, attacks on food depots and charities, the closure of hospitals and a delay in the start of the new school year. As if those issues weren’t enough, Haiti is now battling an outbreak of cholera.