Caricom to form multinational force for Haiti
Stabroek News
May 5, 2004
(Antigua Sun) Regional leaders have committed themselves to the formation of a multinational force that will supervise the restoration of democracy in Haiti following the removal of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February.
This was one of the main points of discussion yesterday at the 17th meeting of the Bureau of the conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community with participation by the core group on Haiti, which is taking place at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Leading the charge for the formation of a multinational task force is outgoing chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister P J Patterson.
Patterson, one of two regional leaders to address the opening of the two-day conference noted that Caricom leaders must assist in restoring constitutional democracy in Haiti.
"Haiti remains very much on the front burner, indeed within the international community some people seem to have become aware of the existence and importance of the Caribbean Community only because of recent events in Haiti.
Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) responding to Prime Minister Spencer's remarks. Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning is at right.
".... We have a compelling obligation to do whatever we can to restore constitutional democracy and enhance political stability and economic progress for the people of Haiti.
"And although we look forward to the final decision being taken when we meet in Grenada (in July) as to the terms of engagement with the interim administration, there are some matters, which require our immediate attention."
Patterson said the Heads were very keen to put themselves in a position to contribute to the activities that are envisaged by the United Nations and further, to the creation of a multinational force pursuant to resolution 1542.
Antigua & Barbuda's Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who is chairing the meeting, noted: "Haiti our sister Caricom country remains in the throes of a deep political, economic and social crisis," adding that "it will take every ounce of Caricom goodwill, compassion, commitment, common sense and courage to make a breakthrough."
According to Prime Minister Spencer, "It is time for the world, the hemisphere and the region to make sure that relevant institutions of civil society and relevant laws are embedded in the mechanisms of governance that the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti will shape."
Calling on his Caricom colleagues to take the lead with regard to the restoration of democracy in Haiti, Prime Minister Spencer said, "As Caricom, we are keenly aware of our responsibilities to Haiti, to our Caribbean Com-munity and to the international community as a whole.
"It is no secret that the question of the recent controversial transition from one government to another in Haiti strikes at Caricom's core values."
He further reminded his Caricom colleagues of a joint mission to Haiti some ten years ago.
"Participation in the UN Follow-up Stabilisation Force by Caricom is a stark reminder of the grave responsibilities that attach to being sovereign members of the international community. There comes a time when what is needed is not just rhetoric, but boots on the ground. It would not be the first time that Caricom would have sent forces to Haiti. We did exactly that ten years ago. Prime Minister Patterson and Prime Minister Manning were directly involved in that exercise. We hope, however, that this will be the last time."
Caricom's refusal to recognise the Haitian Government headed by Gerard LaTortue has put it at odds with the United States. Two meetings between the US and regional countries were called off recently because of the differences.