PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has named a new 17-member cabinet, noting that the “time for fine speeches is over. Today is the time for action”.

Fils-Aimé, who remains confident that presidential and national elections will take place by year’s end, thanked the outgoing administration for their commitment and dedication in a particularly challenging crisis.

Elections were last held in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country when Jovenel Moise was elected as head of state in 2016.

He told the ceremony, which was attended by representatives of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Haiti, that the new cabinet ministers needed to adopt sound, rigorous, and transparent management of public resources.

He said that every Gourde spent must be for the direct benefit of the population, with the aim of building a modern, efficient, and credible public administration.

Fils-Aimé reaffirmed that government action will be structured around three major strategic priorities: security, economic and social recovery, and the organisation of the elections.

He said strengthening the operational capacities of the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and the Gang Repression Force (FRG) was necessary in order to regain full control of areas under the influence of criminal groups as well as to restore the authority of the state.

The head of the government said that his interim administration would implement concrete actions through sustained dialogue with representatives of the private sector and financial partners; support farmers and entrepreneurs; revive national production and create a climate conducive to investment, particularly foreign investment.

Regarding the elections, he spoke of the need to establish the institutional, logistical, and security mechanisms necessary for organising free, fair, and credible elections, with a view to renewing the political personnel and fully restoring constitutional order.

Fils-Aimé made a passionate appeal for society to come together in building a prosperous Haiti, founded on unity, solidarity, and peace.

He thanked the international partners for their continued support in efforts to definitively end the country’s long-standing crisis.

The following is the full list of the new Cabinet :

Bertrand Sinal  – Minister of Public Health and Population

Emmanuel Menard – Minister of Culture and Communication

James Monazard – Minister of Commerce and Industry

Joseph Almathe Pierre Louis – Minister of Public Works, Transportation, and Communications

E Kathia Verdier – Minister for Haitians Living Abroad

Marcelin Aubourg – Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development

Mario Andresol – Minister of Defence

Marc Elie Nelson – Minister of Social Affairs and Labour

Patrick Pelissier – Minister of Justice and Public Security

Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé – Minister of the Interior and Local Authorities

Pédrica Saint Jean – Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights

Pythagore Dumas – Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action

Raina Forbin – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs

Sandra Paulemon – Minister of Planning and External Cooperation

Serge Gabriel Collin – Minister of Economy and Finance

Stéphanie Smith – Minister of Tourism

Valery Fils Aime – Minister of the Environment

Vijonet Demero – Minister of National Education and Vocational Training