8815th (Private) Meeting of the Security Council on the Question Concerning Haiti
Mr. President,
At the outset, we wish to thank you, for convening this Private Meeting of the Security Council on the question concerning Haiti and we thank SRSG Helen La Lime for her briefing. We also wish to express our disappointment that CARICOM was unable to participate in today’s meeting under rule 37.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a Member of the Caribbean Community is deeply shocked and saddened by this heinous act that took place on 7 July 2021 on Haitian soil against its President Jovenel Moise and his family. The assassination of President Moise must be condemned and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The Heads of Government of CARICOM met in a Special Emergency Session on Wednesday 7 July in the aftermath of the assassination and strongly condemned this abhorrent and reprehensible act especially at this time.
The Republic of Haiti has long struggled with tragedy and turmoil, and this assassination, abruptly and illegally removing the leadership of the nation, further impacts on the efforts to bring stability to the country.
The rule of law must always prevail and must never be compromised; that is why we stand in solidarity in this august body to address the situation in Haiti. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines echoes CARICOM’s call to this Council, the United Nations system as a whole, the international community and, in particular, key development partners to do all within their power to aid in this situation at this time.
We stand with our sister country Haiti during this difficult time and extend condolences to the family of the late President Moise, and the Government and people of Haiti, as they recover from this cowardly act. Our Caribbean Community remains willing to play a lead role in facilitating a process of national dialogue and negotiation to help the Haitian people and their institutions to craft an indigenous long-term solution to this crisis and ongoing challenges.
We are also deeply concerned by the condition of the First Lady, Madam Martine Moise, who was gravely wounded in the attack and wish we her a full and speedy recovery.
Mr. President,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the entire Caribbean Community hope for unity and calm, even at this time of national peril, and we will continue to stand with our Haitian brothers and sisters, as they remain in our thoughts and prayers.
I thank you.
