CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart, has welcomed the holding of the first round of elections in Haiti.

Stuart said that the Community stood by its largest member-state as it conducted this important exercise in its democratic renewal.

He congratulated the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the government and people of Haiti for their determination in holding the elections.

The chairman noted that the Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission had reported some problems but that its head, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Enrique Castillo, had declared that these elections marked “a step forward”.

Prime Minister Stuart underlined the important role that Caricom has been playing in Haiti and the importance to the region of Haiti’s membership in Caricom.

He referred to the fact that Haiti will be hosting CARIFESTA, the region’s premier cultural festival from August 21-30 this year as a sign of the deep involvement of Haiti in the Community.