PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) on Thursday welcomed the formal installation of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council.

In a statement, the regional body said the formal installation of the nine-member council at the Palais National in Haiti “marks a significant achievement through a process driven by Haitians in the interest of Haiti. It also represents a critical step forward for both the council and the Haitian people in addressing the protracted multidimensional crisis afflicting the country”.

“This is an opportunity to craft a new beginning which will give all Haitians renewed hope for a return to constitutional government, stability and sustained development.”

The statement said Caricom Heads of Government are fully aware “that today’s installation, albeit significant, is but one of many necessary steps forward in view of the daunting challenges confronting the Transitional Presidential Council and the people of Haiti”.

“Caricom is reminded of the commitments made by the Transitional Presidential Council and stands ready to support it, and the Haitian people, in their efforts to put Haiti back on the road to constitutional and democratic legitimacy, stability and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of the state’s institutions,” the statement added.