PM Browne Wants Haitian Prime Minister to be an Honest Broker in Addressing Haitian Crisis

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry should step aside and be seen as an honest broker in the resolution of the current crisis in Haiti

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti has failed to hold elections. Ariel Henry assumed power shortly after Moïse’s death and promised that his administration would hold elections in 2023.

In early January, the terms of the remaining 10 senators expired, leaving no elected officials in place for a country of more than 11 million people.

Admitting that it is a delicate issue, PM Browne believes that the current prime minister has a significant role to play in the direction of the country.

“I believe the time has come for him to become magnanimous and to indicate publicly to the Haitian people that he and others will not be contesting the elections whenever they are called,” Browne said

Browne claimed that Henry made the comments privately but has failed to do so publicly.

“He has said so privately but I believe it should be said openly to the Haitian people and I believe that if he takes that position then he can become an honest broker and between his efforts, utilize the most powerful office in Haiti as an honest broker with the support of CARICOM and the international community,” Browne said

He was speaking to reporters during a recently concluded CARICOM meeting to observe its 50th anniversary.

“I believe Haiti could together put a program to stabilize the country to deal with the lawlessness within the society. They would need the support of the police, troops, and so on, and at the same time concurrently, establish a framework and establish firm dates for elections” Browne suggested

Saying, that Henry should also consult with various stakeholders who would be interested in contesting the elections, and place the country in firm readiness to contest the elections

On Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a robust international force to help combat Haiti’s armed gangs and restore security there

He said a U.N. expert’s estimate that Haiti needs up to 2,000 additional anti-gang police officers is no exaggeration.