In his year-end address, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Henry T. Wooster provided a comprehensive review of the nation’s tumultuous 2025 while extending holiday wishes to the Haitian people. The diplomat acknowledged the “profound hardship” facing the Caribbean nation, characterized by widespread insecurity, mass displacement, and political instability, yet emphasized the remarkable resilience demonstrated by Haitians throughout these challenges.
Ambassador Wooster highlighted several significant achievements that brought national pride, including Haiti’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a 51-year absence from international soccer’s premier tournament. He also celebrated UNESCO’s recognition of compas music (konpa) as an intangible cultural heritage, noting these accomplishments demonstrate Haiti’s cultural richness beyond the narrative of gang violence.
On security matters, the ambassador commended the Haitian National Police (HNP) for their courage and determination in confronting armed gangs under extremely difficult conditions. He reaffirmed America’s steadfast partnership through training, equipment, and technical assistance programs. Wooster specifically noted the UN Security Council’s authorization of a 5,500-strong Gang Suppression Force as a critical step forward, thanking the international community for responding to Haiti’s call for assistance.
The diplomatic address recognized important institutional progress, particularly the publication of an electoral decree that establishes a pathway toward restoring constitutional order through elections. The United States pledged continued support for this process while urging swift action to organize free and fair elections by 2026.
Ambassador Wooster emphasized the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to combat instability, noting that individuals destabilizing Haiti through arms smuggling, financing, or other means have been sanctioned, detained, or arrested both in Haiti and the United States. He declared that “the era of impunity in Haiti is over” for those seeking to profit from the nation’s instability.
Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed optimism about 2026 offering an opportunity to restore security, conduct elections, and move toward a safer, more prosperous Haiti governed by leaders chosen by the people themselves. He concluded by extending Christmas and New Year wishes on behalf of the entire U.S. Embassy team, acknowledging the hard-working Haitians from all walks of life who continue working to build their nation.