On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Haitian delegation led by Marc-Elie Nelson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and including Radia Mauluk, President of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), Yvel Admettre, Secretary General of the Confederation of Public Sector Workers (CTSP), and Fignolé St-Cyr, Secretary General of the Autonomous Central of Haitian Workers (CATH), on a mission to Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, participated in an important meeting with officials from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), labor unions, and the business sector.

Minister Nelson presented a realistic picture of the labor market in Haiti, which faces major structural challenges that consequently undermine its proper functioning. He addressed, among other things, the size of the informal sector, the vulnerability of formal employment, social tensions, the need to modernize social dialogue mechanisms, the challenges related to labor inspection, and institutional limitations in terms of regulation and social protection.

He highlighted the efforts made by the Government, including: the increase in the minimum wage, social assistance for the most vulnerable, and the establishment of an advisory council tasked with determining the pricing of petroleum products.

He stated that Trinidad's experience in social dialogue and labor regulation will serve to strengthen the institutional capacities of his Ministry so that it can be more effective in its mission.

In his address, Leroy Baptiste, the Minister of Labor and Small and Micro-Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized the importance of social dialogue as an essential tool for economic and social stability. He highlighted the structural and strategic priorities of his administration to ensure a more efficient labor market.

Accompanied by representatives from various units within his Ministry, he provided clear answers to the Haitian delegation's concerns regarding the issues raised. Minister Baptiste also affirmed the Trinidadian government's willingness to support Haiti in strengthening its institutional capacities.

For his part, Joni Musabayana, the ILO Regional Representative, who expressed his sympathy for the Haitian people during this time of crisis, recalled that Haiti was among the founding members of the ILO. He further encouraged these fruitful regional exchanges and advocated for greater attention to be paid to Caribbean countries facing unprecedented and significant challenges.

Following this meeting, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago identified potential areas of cooperation, particularly in the areas of social dialogue, mediation, legislative reform, labor inspection, labor market statistics, and institutional strengthening.

HL/ HaitiLibre