The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expresses its deep concern over the prolonged political crisis in Haiti and is awaiting the gree light from the Government of Haiti to send a technical team for a fact-finding mission, a mission that was suspended recently due to the aggravation of the situation in Haiti.

"I know that the situation is getting worse there. I know that we were due to first send a technical team to go there, but unfortunately, with the current crisis, that visit by the technical team has been postponed," said Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who also expressed CARICOM's concern to with respect to Haiti at a meeting with the UN Secretary-General.

Despite CARICOM's principled position of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States or third States, Heads of Government have received an alarming report from Haiti. The Secretariat explained "They [members States] expressed their concern and underlined the importance of dialogue between the government and opposition in overcoming the crisis."

Due to uncertainty over the evolution of the situation and security issues, Haiti has not yet given its authorization for the coming of this fact-finding mission. However, the Secretariat assures that it remains in contact with Bocchit Edmond the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs and continues to monitor the situation asserting to those who criticize the apparent inaction of CARICOM "It is therefore incorrect to say that the Community pays little attention to what is taking place in Haiti."

SL/ HaitiLibre