On Monday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne voiced his opinion on Haiti’s current socio-economic and political situation, saying that the interim leader, Dr. Ariel Henry, should “step aside” to allow unimpeded efforts in finding a solution to the ongoing crisis.

This suggestion comes amidst growing concerns about the stability of Haiti’s government and the well-being of its citizens.

PM Browne is currently participating in the 46th regular summit of CARICOM leaders in Guyana, where discussions have been primarily focused on the Haitian issue.

During a recent interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Prime Minister Browne expressed his belief that Henry’s involvement in the government is exacerbating the problem.

This comes as stakeholders work towards finding a sustainable solution to Haiti’s challenges, which have been further complicated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 and the rise of criminal gangs causing fear among the population.

In a statement to journalists at the Caribbean Maritime University, Browne expressed his opinion that his friend Henry is contributing to the issues in Haiti.

He further mentioned that there are several people in Haiti who believe that the planned interventions by stakeholder groups are aimed at supporting Henry’s position.

“With no disrespect, my dear friend Henry is part of the problem and I think there are many in Haiti who believe that the interventions that are planned by the stakeholder groups (are) intended to prop up Henry…Now, even though that is not so, we have to deal with that perception and we are of the view that Henry has to transition and to become an honest broker and to have a power sharing agreement with the others in Haiti so it doesn’t appear as though we are trying to stabilize Haiti for his benefit for him to continue….

Browne said “at the end of the day he barely has any legitimacy and we have to be careful that perception is not seen as the reality of the Haitian people which could only serve to inflame the situation,”

During the opening of the plenary session, the host President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who also serves as the chairman of CARICOM, informed the attendees that the regional leaders had started discussing the situation in Haiti more than two days ago.

This indicates that the leaders have been working diligently to address the pressing issues affecting Haiti and are committed to finding effective solutions.