PM Browne explains absence from CARICOM meeting on Haiti

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne explained his decision to not attend a meeting of CARICOM leaders, to converse about the ongoing crisis in Haiti and find ways to resolve the many issues being faced by the nation. Yesterday, the cabinet stated that Prime Minister Browne’s presence was not necessary as the meeting did not require all CARICOM leaders to be physically present.

The cabinet issued the following statement on the matter, “The prime minister indicated that Antigua and Barbuda’s position on Haiti is quite clear. It was communicated at the last meeting of the Heads of Government, during the first days of March 2024, in Guyana. At that meeting, he made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda would wish to see Prime Minister Henry of Haiti resign. Until he goes, the impact on negotiating a settlement is not possible.”

Prime Minister Browne stated that he did not have the chance to get back to Antigua and Barbuda for a week, as he was busy with recent meetings in Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines. This is why he believes it was necessary for him to remain in Antigua and Barbuda, having already taken part in the CARICOM meeting in Guyana which was hosted by President Irfaan Ali.

The meeting in Guyana facilitated dialogues between Caribbean leaders on various topics and issues but focused on the crisis in Haiti, which has been spiralling out of control and has garnered the attention of not just the Caribbean but the entire world.

It has also been said that Caribbean leaders are looking to continue the dialogue on Haiti till a tangible solution to the problem is found. Recent developments with regard to Haiti saw gang leaders asking for the removal of Prime Minister Henry, which came to pass, leading to even more uncertainty regarding the future of the troubled Caribbean nation.

The United States Embassy has also seen non-essential personnel being removed by the US Marines and security being beefed up, as the capital city continues to fall into the grip of gangs which are closing in.

The US Embassy continues to function as of now but the situation on the whole is uncertain as the area in which it is located has been subjected to attacks and violence in recent days.