Haitian Prime Minister Engages CARICOM on National Crisis
Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime participated in the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held from February 24 to 27, 2026, in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. During the summit, Fils-Aime held discussions with former Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, focusing on Haiti's ongoing crisis, the restoration of security, institutional strengthening, and the organization of elections.
Prime Minister Fils-Aime, who assumed office on November 10, 2024, and became Haiti's sole leader following the dissolution of the Transitional Presidential Council on February 7, 2026, arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 24, 2026, to represent his nation. His agenda included detailing efforts to hold democratic elections, consolidate recovered territories, support the return of displaced families, and ensure the rapid reopening of strategic highways. Discussions also covered the preservation of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, a vital infrastructure for economic recovery.
Addressing Haiti's Urgent Needs
During his engagements, Prime Minister Fils-Aime underscored the need for enhanced support to address Haiti's severe security challenges. He specifically called for strengthening the operational capacity of the Haitian Armed Forces (FADH) and the Haitian National Police (PNH), as well as support for the deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG). These measures are deemed crucial for dismantling criminal networks and restoring state authority across the country.
The Depth of Haiti's Multifaceted Crisis
Haiti is currently grappling with a prolonged and complex crisis marked by profound political instability, rampant gang violence, and compounding natural disasters. Since February 29, 2024, escalated gang activity has led to the displacement of thousands, with an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince now under gang control. The humanitarian situation is dire, characterized by widespread poverty, a near-collapse of basic services, and acute hunger affecting nearly half of the population. The country has not held presidential elections for a decade, further exacerbating the political vacuum.
CARICOM's Continued Engagement and Support
Kenny Anthony, a former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia who served multiple terms, is a prominent member of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG). This group actively engages with Haitian stakeholders to assess the political climate and advocate for solutions. CARICOM has consistently played a significant role in supporting Haiti, advocating for increased international funding for security and humanitarian relief, and working towards Haitian-led solutions to the complex challenges. The regional body has prioritized Haiti's security crisis in its discussions, reflecting a collective commitment to stability in the Caribbean.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
Elections in a country controlled by gangs? This seems like wishful thinking, not a solution.
Noir Black
The discussions on reopening strategic highways and preserving the airport are vital for economic recovery, but these efforts are severely hampered by the ongoing security crisis. Long-term progress hinges on the international community's ability to provide robust support that translates into immediate safety for citizens.
Katchuka
Hope for Haiti! Fils-Aime's agenda for restoring infrastructure and supporting displaced families sounds promising.
KittyKat
Great to see PM Fils-Aime taking initiative and engaging with CARICOM. Regional cooperation is essential!
Loubianka
Calling for 'enhanced support' is vague. What actual plan is there to dismantle these criminal networks?