FIFA : 9 Haitian Referees Accredited for 2026

The National Referees Commission (CONA) has published the official list of Haitian referees accredited by FIFA for 2026. Referees selected : Smeedly Saint-Jean, Patrick Sénècharles, Olivier Jean Philippe Alexandre, and Wilkerson Bonnet. Assistant referees : Falone Dieurisma, Jean Marc Moreau, Bladimyr Cadely, Lanchka Elysée, and Loudjimy Honorable. These nine referees will represent Haiti in FIFA competitions during 2026.

Germany : $35 Million Donation to Fund the GSF

According to a press release from the German Embassy in Port-au-Prince, $35 million has been allocated to the Gang Repression Force (FRG), authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2793 ( https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45891-haiti-flash-the-security-council-has-voted-for-the-new-gang-repression-force.html ), which will be deployed in Haiti in 2026. This funding brings Germany's total support to Haiti through the United Nations Trust Fund to $46 million. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46457-haiti-flash-countries-pledge-up-to-7-500-troops-to-the-gsf-in-haiti.html

Gradual resumption of domestic flights from Port-au-Prince

On Friday, December 19, 2025, John Herrick Dessources, the Minister of Tourism, announced the gradual resumption of regular flights between Port-au-Prince and several provincial cities, starting Monday, December 22, 2025.

Private Sector : 13th month salary payment due

Georges Wilbert Franck, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), reminds employers in industrial, commercial, and agricultural businesses, as well as for-profit institutions, of their obligation to pay their employees a supplementary salary or bonus between December 24 and 31. Each year, regardless of the length of employment, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 154, 155, 156, and following of the Haitian Labor Code.

Criminalization of Press Offenses

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, a decree adopted by the Council of Ministers regulates the exercise of freedom of expression and addresses the prevention and repression of defamation and press offenses. The text strengthens the criminalization of press offenses, which are punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years and a fine of 100,000 gourdes. Insulting or defaming a public authority is punishable by a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 gourdes and imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years.

Annual Inflation Rises to 32.2%

The October 2025 Monthly Inflation Note published by the BRH (Central Bank of Haiti) indicates that in October 2025, inflation slowed month-on-month but remained high year-on-year. Monthly inflation increased by 1.5% (compared to 1.8% in September). However, annual inflation remains high at 32.2%.

Download the BRH Inflation Note (9-page PDF in French) https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/NOTE-MENSUELLE-DINFLATION-DU-MOIS-DOCTOBRE-2025.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre