GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett says the 15-member regional integration movement remains committed to Haiti, as the member state gets prepared to celebrate its 221st anniversary of political independence from France on Wednesday.

“Caricom remains in solidarity with Haiti as a valued member of the Caribbean Community, supporting its efforts to strengthen national institutions, reform its constitution and revitalise its electoral and governance processes,” Barnett said in a congratulatory message marking the occasion.

Haiti, wracked with insecurity and socio-economic problems, has had to deal with criminal gangs seeking to overthrow the government following the assassination of president Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

In addition, despite the presence of a United Nations (UN) sanctioned Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, the country has had to deal with daily attacks on women and children and food shortages.

The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, said that offering Haitian youth alternatives to gang life and strengthening local institutions were essential for Haiti to have hope.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed a sharp increase in the recruitment of minors by armed gangs, with the number of recruitments increasing by 70 per cent in 2024.

In her message, Barnett said that the historical significance of Haiti’s independence continues to inspire the Caribbean Community, saying “this occasion is cause for celebration and pride in the indomitable resilience of the Haitian people, who persevere in the face of many challenges”.

She said Caricom “remains committed to collaborating with Haiti in its pursuit of lasting peace, security, economic prosperity and social progress, which are stepping stones to the quality of life that the people of Haiti fully deserve, and the prosperity and advancement to which all Caribbean citizens aspire”.