From October 20 to 24, 2025, Vernet Joseph, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development, participated in the 53rd session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome, Italy. Addressing the assembly, Minister Joseph highlighted the dire food crisis in Haiti while expressing optimism that the nation could overcome its challenges through effective policies and global solidarity. He underscored that nearly 5.7 million Haitians, including 2.8 million children, faced acute food insecurity as of June 2025, representing almost half the population. Despite these staggering figures, Joseph emphasized that hunger is not inevitable but a collective challenge that Haiti is determined to tackle. He outlined the government’s integration of the CFS Framework for Action into its policies, supported by international organizations such as the FAO, WFP, and World Bank. These efforts focus on strengthening family farming, promoting rural entrepreneurship, improving market access, and enhancing nutrition and school feeding programs. Joseph highlighted the success of the National School Meals Program, benefiting 1.2 to 1.6 million students, and a $10 million nutrition initiative in northern Haiti. He called for increased international cooperation, funding, and community involvement to transform Haiti’s food systems and build resilience locally.
标签： Haiti
海地
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USA : The Mayor of Cap
In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, Angie Bell, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien, actively participated in the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE 2025) on October 22 and 23, 2025. The event, hosted at the Broward County Convention Center in Florida, was orchestrated by the Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development, attracting municipal leaders, investors, diplomats, and economic stakeholders from over fifty nations. Mayor Bell was a featured speaker on a panel discussing investment opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America. During her address, she underscored Cap-Haitien’s strategic advantages, including its youthful population, proximity to the U.S. market, and potential in sectors like light processing, agribusiness, and cultural tourism. ‘Cap-Haitien is a historic city, globally oriented, and eager to forge lasting partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and respect for our identity,’ she remarked. Beyond the panel, Mayor Bell engaged in productive dialogues with private sector representatives, Broward County officials, and influential members of the Haitian diaspora dedicated to Haiti’s economic progress. This participation aligns with Cap-Haitien’s broader strategy of decentralized cooperation and municipal diplomacy, aiming to strengthen ties with the diaspora and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for the city.
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Storm Melissa : Partial death toll, already 3 dead and 5 injured (provisional toll)
Haiti is grappling with the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has already claimed three lives and left five injured. The storm, located 340 km south of Les Cayes and 475 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, is moving north-northwest at 3-5 km/h, with forecasts predicting intensification over the weekend. The Civil Protection Department’s latest report highlights severe weather conditions across multiple regions, including landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage. In Port-au-Prince, a landslide in Fontamara resulted in two fatalities and one injury, adding to the storm’s toll. The Artibonite, Southeast, North, and West departments have experienced heavy rains, coastal flooding, and rough seas, with significant damage to coastal facilities in Jacmel. Rivers such as the Artibonite, Lociane, and Saint-Martin have overflowed, causing further destruction. Infrastructure has been severely affected, with landslides blocking roads and a bridge destroyed in Sainte-Suzanne. The storm has also damaged homes in Port-de-Paix. Forecasts warn of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, with hurricane-like conditions possible within 48 hours. Emergency operations are underway, with the Haitian National Police and Civil Protection Directorate mobilizing resources for rescue and evacuation efforts. Authorities urge vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and public gatherings to mitigate risks.
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FLASH : Melissa promises to be devastating in Haiti
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning of severe and prolonged weather conditions in Haiti. As of 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 24, 2025, the storm’s center was located approximately 445 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with coordinates at 16.0 degrees north latitude and 75.5 degrees west longitude. Melissa is nearly stationary but is expected to drift northeast and northward later in the day, followed by a westward trajectory from Saturday through Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall of 20 to 35 cm across southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with potential for life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Southern Haiti is particularly at risk, with significant damage to infrastructure and prolonged isolation of communities anticipated. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h, with higher gusts, and the storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend. The Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities in the southern region due to dangerous swells. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, and multiple departments have been placed on orange alert. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, including avoiding watercourses, securing important documents, and staying informed through reliable sources.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development for Haiti’s political scene, Minister of Justice and Public Security Patrick Pélissier announced that over 220 political parties have successfully regularized their documentation with the Ministry. The list of compliant parties is set to be published soon, with the government allocating $3 billion in its budget to support these entities. Pélissier extended his congratulations and wished them success in the forthcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti has categorically denied rumors suggesting that a U.S. government shutdown would facilitate illegal immigration into the United States. The Embassy labeled such claims as entirely false, aiming to quell misinformation.
In a separate legal matter, former senators Youri Latortue and Joseph Lambert appeared before the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeals on October 22, 2025, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. Latortue faces charges for issuing checks totaling nearly 3 million gourdes to his mother during his tenure as Senate President, while Lambert is accused of obstructing justice. The hearing has been adjourned for a week.
On the humanitarian front, Leslie Voltaire, Presidential Transition Advisor, convened a hybrid meeting on October 22, 2025, to advance the Les Cayes Rehabilitation Center project. The initiative aims to support children and adolescents in vulnerable situations or in conflict with the law. Key participants included representatives from national institutions and international organizations such as UNICEF, Viva Rio, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
In sports, the 2025 Inter-University Football Tournament in the South and West regions has scheduled matches from October 23 to 26, featuring teams like UNDH, UNASMOH, and UEH.
However, amidst these developments, Bertide Horace, Spokesperson for the Dialogue and Awareness Commission, has raised alarms over the escalating gang violence in the Lower Artibonite region, where criminal groups now control 90% of the area. The Commission has criticized the authorities for their perceived inaction in addressing this crisis.
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Politic : Intervention of the new Head of BINUH at the UN Security Council
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), delivered his inaugural address to the UN Security Council on October 22, 2025. In his comprehensive statement, Massieu painted a stark picture of Haiti’s current realities, emphasizing the country’s escalating security crisis, political instability, and humanitarian challenges.
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Health : Inauguration of the AMHE-GRAHN-Monde Community Health Center in Milot
A groundbreaking development in community healthcare has emerged in Haiti with the inauguration of the AMHE-GRAHN-Monde Community Health Center in Milot. Located in the northern commune of Génipailler, this state-of-the-art facility is the result of a collaborative effort led by the Reflection and Action Group for a New Haiti (GRAHN-Monde), with significant financial backing from the Haitian Medical Association Abroad (AMHE) USA-Canada, the Rally of Haitian Nurses and Auxiliary Nurses of Haitian Origin of Quebec (RIIAOHQ), and numerous international donors. Dr. Samuel Pierre, Co-founder and President of GRAHN-Monde, emphasized the center’s mission to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare tailored to the needs of the local population. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary healthcare, mental health support, infectious disease screening and treatment, sickle cell disease care, eye care, cardiovascular disease management, and maternal and child health services. Beyond medical care, the center prioritizes health education, aiming to foster healthier lifestyles and regular access to healthcare. By providing essential services at an affordable cost, the AMHE-GRAHN Center addresses a critical gap in healthcare access, potentially reducing preventable mortality in the region. This initiative highlights the vital role of diaspora contributions, local organizations, and healthcare professionals in addressing Haiti’s ongoing multidimensional crisis and rebuilding its healthcare infrastructure.
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Storm Melissa : Situation Report #1, Partial Assessment
Haiti is grappling with the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Melissa, as detailed in the Civil Protection Department’s Situation Report #1, released on October 22, 2025. The report, covering the period from October 21 to October 22, highlights the storm’s immediate effects and ongoing risks across multiple departments. Tragically, a 70-year-old man lost his life in Marigot, South-East, after being struck by a falling tree, while five individuals sustained injuries in Artibonite due to severe flooding. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with heavy rains triggering floods in Artibonite and Northwest departments, damaging farmland, livestock, and infrastructure. Landslides in Terre Neuve have further complicated transportation, particularly on the Maricolas-Dolan road. The Northeast department remains under unstable weather conditions, adding to the uncertainty. Forecasts predict intensified heavy rains in the southern half of Haiti, with estimates of 150-200 mm of rainfall, raising concerns of flash floods, landslides, and dangerous swells along the southern coast. Tropical Storm Melissa poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, particularly in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, where flooding and landslides could isolate populations and disrupt major roads. Coastal areas face additional threats from strong winds and swells exceeding 2 meters. In response, management committees are preparing shelters, with the Civil Protection Department urging heightened vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and large gatherings to mitigate risks. The situation demands immediate action to safeguard lives and minimize damage.
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FLASH : Meélissa risks becoming a hurricane, 5 departments on Orange Alert
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning that it is likely to escalate into a hurricane by the end of this week or early next week. As of October 23, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Melissa remains stationary over the central Caribbean Sea, posing a significant threat to Haiti and neighboring regions. The storm’s slow movement, at approximately 6 km/h, increases the risk of prolonged strong winds, particularly affecting the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti. Authorities have urged residents to expedite preparations to safeguard lives and property, as severe weather conditions are expected to intensify starting Friday. The storm’s center is currently located at 15.0 degrees North latitude and 74.9 degrees West longitude, about 485 km southwest of Port-au-Prince. Melissa is projected to bring heavy rainfall, ranging from 12 to 25 cm, across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, potentially triggering life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 85 km/h, with higher gusts, and further strengthening is anticipated by the weekend. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all cabotage activities in the southern coastal area until further notice. The Hydrometeorological Unit, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection, has placed five departments—South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and West—under an Orange Alert. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid crossing waterways, and follow safety guidelines issued by civil protection authorities.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move, the United States Department of State has announced the implementation of enhanced screening measures for US visa holders. This new policy, rooted in continuous verification, empowers authorities to revoke visas at any time based on the holder’s behavior or activities, marking a stricter approach to immigration control.
Meanwhile, CARICOM is reasserting its influence in Haiti’s political landscape. With the Presidential Transitional Council’s (PTC) term nearing its end in February 2026, CARICOM leaders have urged key figures, including Maryse Narcisse, André Michel, Claude Joseph, Ted Saint-Dic, and Jean-Charles Moise, to propose alternatives for the Council’s succession.
In Gonaïves, a notable administrative change occurred on October 21, 2025, as Me Guiverna Guillaume was replaced by Me Renable Destina as the interim Government Commissioner. Guillaume has been reassigned as Deputy Government Commissioner to the Prosecutor’s Office in Cap-Haïtien.
Environmental concerns are mounting in Petit-Bois, where Ecovert-Haiti has issued an urgent plea to the Ministry of the Environment and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) to address the severe degradation of a mahogany forest. Unregulated tree felling for charcoal and timber production, coupled with inadequate monitoring, threatens the forest’s survival and the local ecosystem.
On a brighter note, Haitian cocoa will be showcased at the Paris Chocolate Fair from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Supported by the Hauts-de-Seine Department since 2009, the event will feature tastings, producer-chocolatier meetings, and conferences on fair trade and agricultural resilience.
Lastly, EU Ambassador Hélène Roos met with Charles Jean Jacques, Haiti’s National Authorizing Officer, to discuss EU funding for governance, education, infrastructure, and food security projects, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s development.