GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has extended condolences to the Government and people of Haiti following a weekend stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière that left at least 30 people dead.

“Caricom expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the organisation said in a statement.

It noted that these sentiments were also conveyed directly by Caricom Chair, Dr Terrance Drew, the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, during a call to Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé after learning of the tragedy.

Caricom added that it “stands in solidarity with Haiti during this time of grief and loss”.

Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, who confirmed the deaths, expressed the Government’s “profound emotion and immense sadness” over the incident.

“The government extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of its deep solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering,” he said, adding that authorities are fully mobilised to provide immediate assistance, care and support to those affected.

Fils-Aimé emphasised that the situation is being closely monitored and urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances.

“In this particularly difficult time, the prime minister and the Government reaffirm their solidarity with the victims and the entire affected community,” he added.

The incident occurred in the town of Milot, where heavy rains reportedly triggered panic among attendees at around 4:00 pm on Saturday, leading to a deadly stampede. Authorities say most victims died from asphyxiation, while others were trampled as crowds surged at the fortress gates.

Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph warned that the death toll could rise, citing limited emergency resources in the town, including a lack of ambulance services. Officials are awaiting the arrival of justices of the peace to formally process casualties.

Built in the early 19th century, the Citadelle Laferrière is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere and a powerful symbol of Haiti’s independence. It typically draws thousands of visitors during the Holy Week period.

Haiti’s Ministry of Tourism also extended its “condolences and deepest sympathies” to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, the Civil Protection Department said severe overcrowding, exacerbated by shortcomings in crowd management, contributed to the stampede. Several victims, many of them young people, were taken to the Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Milot.