Wednesday June 23, 2021, Me René Sylvestre (58) the President of the Court of Cassation (since February 2019) and of the Superior Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ), tested positive for Covid-19, died of respiratory complications in Mirebalais University Hospital.

Originally from Saint-Marc, Me René Sylvestre, whose integrity has never been questioned, had a 28-year career in the Haitian judicial system.

A minute of silence was observed during the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

The reactions were not long in coming :

President Jovenel Moïse :

"The news of the death of the President of the Court of Cassation and of the Superior Council of Judicial Power (CSPJ), Me René Sylvestre, a statesman, faithful servant of the Republic, saddens me deeply. My condolences to his family and to all members of the judiciary."

Rockefeller Vincent Minister of Justice :

"I learned with deep sadness the news of the departure of the President of the CSPJ, the Honorable Magistrate René Sylvestre. I extend my condolences to his family, to the members of the CSPJ, to the Judges of the Court of Cassation and to all the other members of the Judiciary."

Joseph Lambert, President of the Senate :

"I learned with emotion of the disappearance of the President of the Court of Cassation of the Republic and of the Superior Council of the Judicial Power. My sincere condolences go out to the family and colleagues of the Honorable Magistrate René Sylvestre who left too early. Rest in peace !"

BINUH and the UN :

"The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the United Nations in Haiti have learned the sad news of the death of the President of the Court of Cassation and of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, Me René Sylvestre. A painful loss for the country. Our sincere condolences to his family, the judiciary and the Haitians. "

HL/ HaitiLibre