GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Eminent Persons Group (EPG) says it plans to visit Haiti “as soon as possible” as it continues to closely monitor the country’s evolving political situation.

In a brief statement, the EPG, chaired by former Saint Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony and comprising former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding and former Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, said it has been tracking developments in Port-au-Prince through ongoing virtual engagements with a wide range of Haitian stakeholders, including representatives from government, political parties and civil society.

“Fully aware of the importance of fine-tuning its perceptions through a visit to the country, while encouraging the Haitian stakeholders to resolve issues amongst themselves, the Eminent Persons Group will schedule its visit to Haiti as soon as practicable to hold in-person meetings with political and civil society stakeholders and with government officials,” the statement said.

Caricom established the EPG in May 2023 to broker dialogue and help Haitian stakeholders navigate the country’s severe political, security and institutional crises.

The group’s mandate includes facilitating Haitian-led solutions by bringing together government officials, political parties and civil society to establish a peaceful transitional framework toward free and fair elections. It also seeks to support initiatives aimed at combating gang violence, restoring public order and improving citizen security.

Since its inception, the EPG has played a crucial intermediary role, including its efforts to help establish Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and manage subsequent leadership transitions.

The statement follows this week’s visit to Haiti by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed confidence that the country’s transition process “is moving forward”.

“A dynamic is there. And my call to the international community is therefore simple. Finally, assume your responsibilities,” Guterres said, urging all stakeholders to stand together with the Haitian people for “peace, for security and for dignity”.

Guterres, who held talks with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, told a news conference that the biggest wave is not the violence of the gangs operating in the country.

“The biggest wave is indifference, that of a world that has looked elsewhere for too long. Because there is a direct link between the absence of the international community and the absence of security for the Haitian people.

“But the situation can be reversed. Some neighbourhoods in the city centre of Port-au-Prince have been recaptured. The Council of Ministers is meeting again at the National Palace after more than three years. And it is not just a symbol, it is the sign of the progressive return of the state,” Guterres told reporters.