WASHINGTON, DC – Sixteen years after the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake that ravaged Haiti, member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) convened for a solemn commemoration of the tragic event that continues to resonate throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis joined fellow OAS members in honoring the memory of the victims and celebrating Haitian resilience during a special session of the Permanent Council on Wednesday, January 21st.
Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, representing St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered a poignant address acknowledging the profound human, social, and economic devastation caused by the January 12, 2010 disaster. The earthquake resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities, displaced millions of citizens, and triggered significant migration patterns that continue to affect Caribbean nations and the United States.
In her remarks, Ambassador Henry-Martin paid tribute not only to those who perished but also to the extraordinary fortitude demonstrated by the Haitian people. ‘From a nation of historical overcomers emerged, from the rubble and sorrow, valiant women and men who, despite unimaginable hardships, have continued to rebuild their communities,’ she stated, emphasizing the ‘extraordinary courage and resilience’ that has characterized Haiti’s response to the tragedy.
The ambassador contextualized Haiti’s ongoing struggles within its remarkable historical legacy, noting the country’s pioneering role as the first Black Republic and the first nation in the Americas to achieve independence. She highlighted how Haiti’s 1804 revolution inspired liberation movements throughout the region and affirmed universal principles of liberty and self-determination.
Ambassador Henry-Martin reaffirmed the collective responsibility of OAS member states to support Haiti’s recovery and development, stating: ‘It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that Haiti is not defined by this or any other disaster, nor by ensuing crises, but by its enduring contributions and its future promise.’
She recalled the extensive solidarity demonstrated by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners and the international community following the earthquake, characterizing this support as ‘not merely an act of charity, but equal as an expression of shared history, shared humanity, and shared destiny within the Americas.’
The ambassador concluded by calling for sustained international cooperation, respect for Haitian ownership of its development path, and renewed commitment to peace, institution-building, and inclusive growth throughout the nation.