Haitian Prime Minister calls for national reconciliation following tragedy at sea
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – Haitian Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry has called on citizens to put aside their political differences and move towards national reconciliation to solve the socio-economic problems confronting the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.
In a statement following last Sunday’s tragedy in which 17 Haitian nationals lost their lives at sea and 25 others were recused, Henry said that nationals were fleeing the country to seek a better life overseas because of failure to address the socio-economic issues here.
“The new tragedy saddens the entire nation. While sympathising with the relatives of the victims, I launch, once again, an appeal for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems which are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children,” Henry said.
The Bahamas is a frequent transit route for Haitian migrants seeking to reach the United States. Dangerous sea voyages aboard overcrowded and derelict ships have become increasingly common over the past year as Haitians flee poverty and rising gang violence.
The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat said in a statement on Monday that it was “extremely saddened” by the incident, adding that “this latest disaster brings to the fore once again the desperate situation in Haiti and the reprehensible nature of the actions of those who are taking advantage of people trying to escape.
“Caricom looks forward to the apprehension and bringing to justice of those who prey on the hopes and aspirations of vulnerable persons.”
At least 17 people died and 25 others were rescued after a boat believed to be involved in a human smuggling operation, capsized just off the coast of New Providence early Sunday. The authorities believe that the boat was headed for Miami in the United States.
Immigration officials said survivors told them that they paid between US$3,000 and US$8,000 for the voyage.
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