Friday, September 4th, 2026
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is stepping up its engagement with Haiti as the country moves closer to elections, with the Community’s Eminent Persons Group (EPG) currently in the country for discussions with a range of Haitian stakeholders.
In a September 3, 2026 statement and address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett said the EPG is meeting with political actors, including new parties and coalitions, as well as other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
The engagement comes as Haiti prepares for elections scheduled for December 13, 2026, according to the electoral calendar referenced in a separate CARICOM Eminent Persons Group statement.
The EPG’s visit is part of CARICOM’s broader effort to facilitate dialogue among Haiti’s political and civil society stakeholders and support a Haitian-led response to the country’s governance crisis.
Barnett, in her September 3 address, also called for stronger coordination among the regional and international partners providing assistance to Haiti.
She highlighted the OAS initiative, “Towards a Haitian-Led Roadmap for Stability and Peace with Regional and International Support,” as well as the high-level inter-American and international delegation that visited Haiti from August 16 to 19. CARICOM participated in that mission at the invitation of OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin.
According to Barnett’s statement, the August visit helped international actors share experiences and lessons while improving coordination and identifying areas requiring urgent attention.
She said it also demonstrated to Haitians that they had not been abandoned by regional and international partners despite the country’s prolonged crisis.
Security remains a significant part of the regional discussion. Barnett said CARICOM and the OAS both support renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
She noted that commitments by Haiti’s international partners to provide personnel, funding, equipment and logistical assistance had not yet been sufficiently fulfilled. Barnett said strengthening those efforts would be important in addressing insecurity and creating conditions conducive to the elections.
As the electoral process advances, she said election observation would also become increasingly important in supporting Haiti’s return to constitutional and democratic governance, noting that CARICOM and the OAS have worked together in this area before.
Barnett said CARICOM would continue working with the OAS and other international partners to support Haiti while encouraging longer-term investment, job creation and improved access to essential services.
She also drew attention to the impact of crime and violence on Haitians’ ability to work, educate their children, access medical care and move freely.
Source: Dominica News Online