As part of a government tour aimed at better understanding the situation of Haitians living abroad, Kathia Verdier, Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), arrived in Suriname after visiting the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Brazil.

Upon arrival, the official delegation was greeted at Johan Adolf Pengel Airport by Consul Rebecca Henry and Acting Consul General Jean Kechnor Edmond.

The following day, Consul Edmond met with the delegation to outline the main challenges facing the Haitian community living in Suriname. In the evening, all the diplomats stationed at the Consulate met with the Minister to share their knowledge of the difficulties encountered by their compatriots in Suriname.

On Tuesday, June 18, the Consulate organized a meeting with religious leaders, community representatives, and young people to gather their concerns. The Minister then reaffirmed that this tour allowed her to better understand the problems facing this community, with the aim of drafting specifications that she will submit to the Haitian government for necessary actions.

During these discussions, one major concern emerged: the issue of travel. Members of the Haitian community in Suriname unanimously expressed their frustration at not being able to travel to Haiti freely, explaining that they feel confined in an "open-air prison." They denounced charter flights, which they described as "extortion" and urged the Haitian government to facilitate the establishment of regular commercial flights between Suriname and Haiti. "Even one flight every month or two would be essential," they insisted, emphasizing that they no longer have any transit countries to reach Haiti.

Expressing deep empathy for her compatriots who were unable to return home, the Minister made it clear that she would not make any immediate promises, but that she firmly committed to preparing a detailed report upon her return to Haiti, so that positive measures could be taken as quickly as possible.

HL/ HaitiLibre