Dear Editor,

I write to you today to address the current situation in Haiti and the involvement of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), inclusive of Jamaica, in its politics. It is important to understand the historical context of Haiti, particularly the history of US intervention in the country.

For decades the US has imposed its will on Haiti, causing significant harm and instability. From military occupations to financial control, the US has consistently sought to manipulate Haiti’s politics to serve its own interests. This legacy of interference has contributed to the current political stalemate and instability in the country.

Caricom’s recent statement on Haiti highlights the efforts made by various groups of Haitian stakeholders to negotiate political accords and the community’s willingness to assist in achieving a consensus. However, it is crucial that any solution is driven by the will of the Haitian people, not by the interests of external powers. Lest one should forget, in 1994 Joe Biden was quoted as saying, “If Haiti, a God-awful thing to say, if Haiti just quietly sunk into the Caribbean or rose up 300 feet, it wouldn’t matter a whole lot, in terms of our interest.”

Given this history, I argue against Jamaica entering into Haiti’s issues without first seeking to understand the on-the-ground politics through dialogue with stakeholders. We must try to form a consensus that reflects the will of the Haitian people, not impose the will of imperialists. Jamaica’s police and army should not begin preparations for “such eventualities” until there is a clear understanding of the situation and a plan put in place that has the support of the Haitian people.

We must not repeat the mistakes of the past but instead work to support a peaceful resolution that is in the best interests of the Haitian people. Only then can we hope to bring stability and peace to the country.

Yannick N Pessoa

yannickpessoa@yahoo.com