Catholic Church in Haiti refuses to nominate candidate for provisional presidential council

While CAROCOM Representatives continue to talk of progress being made with regard to the Presidential Transitional Council of Haiti, the Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH) has made it clear that it will not be nominating a candidate for the council.

The Episcopal Conference of Haiti (CEH) is responsible for aggregating the bishops of the Catholic Church in the nation, bringing them under one umbrella. In a statement issued by CEH representatives, the organisation made it clear that it wished to refrain from getting involved in the current negotiations, thus aligning its moral compass with its prophetic mission. This is expected to allow Haitians to arrive at a lasting consensus amongst each other, which will benefit the nation in the long run.

Even as CEH has issued this statement, Louis Gérald Gilles, who happens to be a Former Senator, has been nominated by the representative of the December 21 grouping, with his name already having been sent to CARICOM.

Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, the Chairman of CARICOM and the President of Guyana spoke of an arrangement which would see Prime Minister Ariel Henry of Haiti, who finds himself stranded in Puerto Rico, stepping down from his position to allow for the establishment of a transitional governance arrangement.

The purpose of this arrangement supposedly, is to facilitate a transitional of power with out violence, continued governance, plan for ensuring short term security and fair elections in the near future.

The arrangement also stipulates that a transitional presidential council be set up, which will include seven voting members and two voting observers.

President Ali spoke of the matter on Monday in Georgetown, stating that progress is being made in establishing the council with the expectation that this measure will bring a modicum of relief to the people of the nation and help in rooting out the recent escalation in violence.

He also told the press that the CARICOM meeting, which brought together regional leaders and other stakeholders from the United States, Canada and France, was quite helpful in establishing a fruitful dialogue between all parties and has led to open communication between them since the meeting.

He said that the presidential council is essential for the stability of Haiti and the security of its people, as concerns regarding the violent actions of certain elements have become major issues and garnered international attention.

President Ali said, “The international community renewed its call for the multi-national force to be on the ground as soon as possible. There must be a bridging security arrangement to help immediately to bring a level of normalcy and security, so that work can continue.”

Prime Minister Henry recently signed a deal with Kenya, which allows for an International Force, led by the African nation, to restore peace in Haiti, under a special remit sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.

The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) was attacked by individuals armed to the teeth but they did not manage to breach the complex due to the efforts of the police and security guards who repelled their attacks successfully. In the entire kerfuffle, two guards were injured and three of the assailants were shot down.

Representative of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) took to Twitter, issuing the following statement, “Following an incident yesterday near the site of the BRH on Rue Pavee, security forces and the bank’s security team acted with professionalism and efficiency.”

They also thanked the guards for their undying fealty to the cause of protecting the community in these uncertain times where many important institutions in the nation have come under attack.