A thought from Pope Francis for Haiti

Pope Francis called for efforts to pacify the political and social tensions affecting several countries on the American continent, in his Christmas message delivered from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica before the Urbi et Orbi blessing His Holiness said "[...] I am thinking in particular of the Haitian people, who have been suffering for a long time. [...]"

37,000 tourists in Haiti in 2022

According to the latest data from the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI) 37,000 tourists came to Haiti in 2022 against 148,335 in 2021, a dramatic drop of 75%. The situation of the hotel and restaurant sector, which experienced negative growth of -2.2%, is alarming, according to economist Riphard Sérent.

Prisons, embezzlement : 4 released, 2 police officers sentenced

Release of 4 of the 6 employees of the Directorate of Penitentiary Administration, arrested on June 3rd, 2022 in an embezzlement case https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-36827-icihaiti-justice-6-people-from-the-dap-arrested-for-embezzlement.html by the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) were released: Julien Victor, police officer; Valérie Elcéa, accountant; Roger Brutus, accountant and Daniel Joseph Romulus, administrative clerk. The two other Harold Jean (policeman) and Simone Maxime Jean, (Head of Accounting), were sentenced to one year in prison. Defense counsel will appeal.

Economy : 4th year of negative growth

According to the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI), the Haitian economy in 2022 shows for the 4th consecutive year a negative growth of its gross domestic product (GDP): 2019 -1.7%, 2020 - 3, 3%, 2021 -1.8% and 2022 -1.7% for an annual average over 4 years of -2.1%

Wishes for 2023

General Customs Administration (AGD)

"The General Directorate of the General Administration of Customs (AGD) expresses its best wishes to customs officers, economic operators, various other customs users, their respective families and the general public on the occasion of Christmas and the end of year celebrations. The Director General of the AGD, Mr. Julcène EDOUARD, takes this opportunity to thank the customs staff for their hard work and dedication to achieving the performance objectives of the Institution. Aware that the current context of the country exposes us to daily difficulties, the Director General hopes that this festive period will serve to bring us closer together, to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and solidarity so that we can collaborate in a better working atmosphere."

National Education Fund (FNE)

"At the end of 2022, the FNE renews its commitment to support the efforts of the education sector, in order to achieve the establishment of quality education, worthy of all the girls and all the sons of Haiti. May the year 2023 bring us health, love, unity, serenity, concern for the common good and may it nourish the souls of all our compatriots in harmony."

HL/ HaitiLibre