Carib Scope

标签： Haiti

海地

  • Security : CIMO Turns 30

    Security : CIMO Turns 30

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Intervention and Law Enforcement Corps (CIMO), Haiti’s premier specialized police unit, commemorated its 30th anniversary on February 14, 2026, with a ceremony blending solemn reflection and community engagement. The event at the unit’s Delmas 1 headquarters unfolded under the thematic banner “CIMO: Symbol of Loyalty, Resistance, and Pride,” reflecting the organization’s complex role in national security.

    Haitian National Police (PNH) Commander-in-Chief André Jonas Vladimir Paraison presided over the proceedings alongside high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The atmosphere combined emotional tributes with spiritual elements, featuring prayers honoring fallen officers and recognizing three decades of service amid Haiti’s ongoing security challenges.

    In his commemorative address, Director General Paraison praised CIMO’s “unwavering commitment” in combating organized crime and restoring public order. His remarks highlighted the unit’s dual role in both enforcement operations and community stabilization efforts during periods of social unrest.

    The ceremony included distinguished honors for current and former commanders. Divisional Commissioner Paul Ménard, the sitting CIMO leader, received plaques of honor alongside predecessors Henrice Bleck and Monestime René, recognizing their contributions to the unit’s development.

    In a significant community outreach gesture, children residing near the CIMO headquarters were awarded commemorative medals, symbolizing the unit’s effort to strengthen neighborhood relations and build public trust.

    Historical context reveals CIMO’s foundational role as the PNH’s first specialized unit, established February 14, 1996. Based permanently in Delmas, its operational mandate encompasses public order maintenance during demonstrations, riot control, civil unrest management, and protection of strategic infrastructure. The unit represents a critical component of Haiti’s security apparatus, frequently deployed in high-risk scenarios threatening public safety.

  • Economy : James Monazard visits the Caracol Industrial Park

    Economy : James Monazard visits the Caracol Industrial Park

    Haiti’s Commerce and Industry Minister James Monazard conducted a strategic inspection of the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC) on January 13, 2026, marking a significant step in implementing the recently renewed HELP/HOPE Act by the U.S. Congress. This legislative framework serves as a cornerstone for Haiti’s economic advancement, granting duty-free access to the U.S. market for Haitian textile and apparel products—a sector accounting for approximately 90% of the nation’s exports and sustaining thousands of jobs.

    During his comprehensive assessment, Minister Monazard evaluated the park’s operational infrastructure and engaged with local administrators and stakeholders to refine development initiatives. The discussions focused on maximizing the economic impact of the trade preferences afforded by the HELP/HOPE Act, identifying actionable strategies to enhance national economic benefits.

    The PIC stands as a pivotal asset in Haiti’s industrial landscape, currently providing 2,500 direct employment opportunities. With 69,304 square meters of readily available industrial space and an additional 23,552 square meters under development, the park is positioned to accelerate industrial expansion and restore its peak employment capacity.

    A transformative addition to the park’s infrastructure is the ongoing installation of a 13.4 MW photovoltaic solar facility, complemented by battery storage technology. This green energy project promises uninterrupted power supply to the industrial complex and adjacent communities, reinforcing energy security, operational sustainability, and investor appeal. The solar initiative represents a critical advancement in reducing operational dependencies and enhancing the park’s competitive edge in attracting international investments.

  • 2026 Winter Olympics : Franco

    2026 Winter Olympics : Franco

    In a landmark moment for Caribbean winter sports, Franco-Haitian skier Richardson Viano secured 44th position in the men’s giant slalom at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 23-year-old athlete, born in Croix-des-Missions, Tabarre, delivered a respectable performance on the challenging Stelvio slope in Bormio on February 14, 2026.

    Viano completed his first run in 1:24.55, placing 47th among 81 competitors. He demonstrated significant improvement in his second attempt, clocking 1:18.28. His combined time of 2:42.83 ultimately earned him the 44th spot in the final standings—a notable achievement given the elite field of competitors.

    The Olympic podium was dominated by established skiing nations, with Brazilian champion L. Pinheiro Braathen capturing gold in 1:11:08, while Swiss athletes M. Odermatt (1:10:71) and L. Meillard (1:10:68) claimed silver and bronze respectively.

    Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé issued an official statement celebrating Viano’s accomplishment as a national triumph. The Prime Minister emphasized how Viano’s participation “honors the blue and red flag and brings glory to our nation far beyond its borders.” He particularly praised the athlete’s demonstration of “precision, control, speed, and composure” in one of alpine skiing’s most technically demanding disciplines.

    The government statement framed Viano’s Olympic appearance as transcending athletic achievement, calling it “a powerful message of hope and resilience for all the Haitian people.” Officials drew parallels between the discipline required for elite sports and the qualities needed for national progress, highlighting how Viano’s journey “inspires our youth and reminds the world that Haitian talent knows no borders or limits.”

    The Prime Minister extended official congratulations to Viano on behalf of both the government and the Haitian people, affirming that “the entire nation stands proud and united behind him.”

  • FLASH : Violette AC crowned D1 champions of the 2025-2026 LHF season

    FLASH : Violette AC crowned D1 champions of the 2025-2026 LHF season

    In a dramatic conclusion to the Haitian Football League’s inaugural 2025-2026 season, Violette Athletic Club emerged victorious as national champions after defeating Baltimore SC 2-1 in the championship final. The decisive match unfolded on February 14, 2026, at Parc Sainte-Thérèse in Pétion-ville, marking a significant milestone in Haitian football history.

    The championship showdown reached its climax after the teams played to a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg, setting the stage for an electrifying return match. Violette AC, affectionately known as the Old Tigers, demonstrated their championship pedigree with Elyvens Dejean breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute. Baltimore SC fought back valiantly, equalizing in the 64th minute through Stravinsky Dupiton, before Micheneider Chery secured the historic victory for Violette with a decisive 78th-minute goal.

    The league recognized exceptional individual performances that defined the season. Claudeson Stanley Céus earned dual honors as both the Best Player and Top Scorer of the championship, netting an impressive 8 goals while displaying remarkable consistency and technical brilliance. His influential performances proved instrumental throughout the competition.

    Between the posts, Guivemy Joseph received recognition as the Best Goalkeeper of the inaugural edition. His spectacular saves and commanding presence established him as a formidable last line of defense, earning him the reputation as a veritable wall for his team during both regular season and playoff matches.

    The Haitian Football League administration extended congratulations to both finalists, acknowledging Baltimore SC’s remarkable campaign and fighting spirit that elevated the championship’s competitive standard. The final represented more than just a trophy celebration—it signaled a new era of professional football in Haiti, with the league emerging stronger and more promising after this elite competition.

  • Environment : Strategic meeting on strengthening climate data monitoring capacities

    Environment : Strategic meeting on strengthening climate data monitoring capacities

    Haiti’s Ministry of Environment has convened a pivotal steering committee meeting in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to accelerate the nation’s climate monitoring capabilities. This third strategic session of the CBIT-Haiti project represents a significant milestone in fulfilling the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement transparency framework.

    The gathering focused on evaluating current progress, addressing implementation challenges, and establishing priority action areas for enhancing Haiti’s climate data verification systems. Deputy UNDP Resident Representative Sylvain Merlin reinforced the organization’s dedication to supporting Haiti in developing robust environmental data management infrastructure and transparency mechanisms.

    Environment Minister Moïse Fils Jean Pierre extended appreciation to the Global Environment Facility for essential financial backing and UNDP for sustained technical expertise. The minister also recognized contributions from multiple institutional partners including the Ministry of Public Works, the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, France’s Interprofessional Technical Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CITEPA), and Haitian consultancy EQUITERRA.

    Minister Jean Pierre emphasized that the CBIT-Haiti initiative demonstrates the nation’s commitment to scientifically rigorous, transparent, and nationally-owned climate action processes. He characterized the meeting as a crucial step toward consolidating project achievements and ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.

    The comprehensive capacity-building program focuses on training local stakeholders in greenhouse gas emission monitoring, climate adaptation measurement, and verification protocols. This initiative strengthens Haiti’s climate governance architecture while contributing meaningfully to global climate change mitigation efforts.

  • Public Procurement : Strategic Agreement between UEH and Expertise France

    Public Procurement : Strategic Agreement between UEH and Expertise France

    In a landmark move to strengthen Haiti’s governance infrastructure, the State University of Haiti (UEH) and Expertise France have formalized a strategic partnership backed by European Union funding. The agreement, signed at the National Commission for Public Procurement (CNMP) headquarters, establishes comprehensive support for the Chair of Training, Studies, and Research in Public Procurement alongside the Master’s program in Public Procurement, Management, and Governance.

    The signing ceremony witnessed high-level participation from European and Haitian officials, including EU Ambassador Hélène Roos, UEH Rector Professor Dieuseul Prédélus, CNMP Coordinator Claude Dalberg, and Professor Adma Dessein of the National Institute of Administration. Multiple regulatory bodies and academic partners also attended the significant event.

    Ambassador Roos positioned this initiative within the broader context of the ‘Building Contract 2’ cooperation program, operational since 2017 with projections through 2027. She emphasized that public procurement represents a fundamental mechanism for advancing governance transparency, spending efficiency, and institutional credibility. The EU’s investment in the Master’s program specifically targets capacity-building within Haiti’s public administration, reflecting the conviction that professional skill development is indispensable for constructing a more effective and trustworthy government apparatus.

    Rector Prédélus characterized the agreement as demonstrating UEH’s strategic repositioning as a central catalyst for national development. He described the partnership as transcending conventional academic training, instead representing the university’s commitment to addressing Haiti’s practical challenges. Notably, Prédélus framed the program as ‘a powerful weapon against corruption’ that would establish ‘a lasting culture of integrity in public affairs management.’ He directly addressed attending students, challenging them to become transformative agents within Haiti’s public sector modernization.

    CNMP Coordinator Claude Dalberg acknowledged the agreement’s potential structural impact on Haitian governance, expressing particular gratitude for the support enabling both the Master’s program and research chair. He articulated hope that this collaboration would mark a new epoch for procurement practices in Haiti while recognizing UEH’s academic leadership in making the chair a center for both education and practical research.

    This tripartite collaboration between CNMP, UEH, and the European Union through Expertise France converges institutional expertise, academic knowledge, and international cooperation to establish specialized training and applied research as foundational elements in modernizing Haiti’s public procurement systems.

  • Cooperation : DINEPA meeting at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti

    Cooperation : DINEPA meeting at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti

    In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering infrastructure development, Théophil Ostinvil, Director General of Haiti’s National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA), convened with Cuban Ambassador Ricardo Garcia Nápoles at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti on February 14, 2026.

    The high-level discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical water and sanitation services, with particular emphasis on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Both parties conducted a comprehensive review of existing collaborative achievements while identifying strategic priorities for future joint initiatives.

    A cornerstone of the dialogue involved developing a structured capacity-building program leveraging Cuba’s technical expertise to strengthen DINEPA’s operational capabilities. This initiative aims to support Haiti’s sustainable development goals in water infrastructure management through specialized training and skill development programs for Haitian water sector professionals.

    Additionally, the meeting served as a platform to address administrative considerations pertaining to current collaboration mechanisms between DINEPA and Cuban technical experts working within Haiti’s water sector. The discussions reflected both nations’ commitment to streamlining operational frameworks for enhanced efficiency.

    This diplomatic engagement underscores Haiti’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international technical partnerships that directly contribute to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, ultimately benefiting Haitian communities through improved access to essential services.

  • FLASH : Swedish Pia Sundhage new Coach of Grenadières Senior

    FLASH : Swedish Pia Sundhage new Coach of Grenadières Senior

    In a landmark move for Caribbean football, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has secured the services of internationally acclaimed Swedish coach Pia Sundhage to helm its senior women’s national team, the Grenadières. This strategic appointment comes precisely two weeks following the departure of former French coach Malou Quignette, whose contract was not renewed.

    Sundhage arrives with an unparalleled pedigree in international women’s football, boasting an extraordinary track record that includes dual Olympic gold medals coaching the United States (2008, 2012), a World Cup final appearance (2011), Olympic silver with Sweden (2016), and a Copa América triumph with Brazil (2022). Her distinguished playing career further enhances her credentials, with 146 international caps and 71 goals for Sweden.

    Beyond her trophy-laden resume, Sundhage brings globally recognized expertise in structuring high-performance environments, developing emerging talent, and instilling cultures of excellence and discipline. Her proven capacity to manage elite competitions and international pressure makes her uniquely qualified for Haiti’s ambitious project.

    The FHF has positioned this appointment as a cornerstone for comprehensive institutional transformation. The federation’s vision extends beyond immediate sporting results to encompass strengthening Haiti’s entire technical organization, harmonizing standards across national teams and youth development programs, and establishing Haiti as a credible force in international football.

    A fundamental component of Sundhage’s mandate involves knowledge transfer to Haitian coaches through dedicated mentoring programs, methodology sharing, and gradual integration of local expertise within the coaching staff. This approach ensures that international expertise directly contributes to the sustainable development of Haitian football’s technical infrastructure.

    The federation has expressed full confidence in Sundhage’s leadership as Haiti embarks on this new chapter, with qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil serving as an immediate competitive objective.

  • Gangs : Recruitment of children up 200% over one year

    Gangs : Recruitment of children up 200% over one year

    Haiti is confronting an alarming escalation in the exploitation of minors by armed factions, with UNICEF revealing a staggering 200% increase in child recruitment throughout 2025. This disturbing trend emerges against the backdrop of International Red Hand Day, observed annually on February 12th, which aims to combat the conscription of children into armed conflicts.

    The humanitarian landscape in Haiti remains dire, with over 1.4 million internally displaced persons—more than half being children—enduring extreme poverty and multifaceted crises. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the non-negotiable nature of children’s rights, stating: ‘Every child must be protected. Those recruited must be released and supported to heal, return to learning, and rebuild their futures.’

    Children are typically coerced into joining armed groups through direct threats against themselves or family members, economic desperation, or as a means of survival after family separation. This recruitment constitutes a severe violation of international law and exposes minors to combat injuries, sexual and psychological abuse, arbitrary detention, and educational disruption.

    Since the January 2024 Handover Protocol implementation, UNICEF and child protection agencies have verified and assisted over 500 children associated with armed groups through specialized reintegration services. These efforts are coordinated with Haiti’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Justice Ministry, Education Ministry, and humanitarian partners.

    Support mechanisms include psychosocial assistance, health service referrals, temporary learning spaces, family tracing, and the PREJEUNES program which focuses on vulnerability reduction and social inclusion for at-risk youth. UNICEF urges national authorities to strengthen child protection systems, ensure service access, and enhance community-based prevention networks with confidential reporting pathways.

    The organization simultaneously appeals to donor governments and private sector entities for increased funding, noting critical support programs remain significantly under-resourced. Russell concluded: ‘These children must not be treated as perpetrators but provided reintegration services and protected from additional risks, stigma, or retaliation.’

  • Northwest : Launch of the U-15 and U-20 school sports games

    Northwest : Launch of the U-15 and U-20 school sports games

    The Northwestern Departmental Directorate of Haiti’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (DDNO/MJSAC) has officially inaugurated the 2026 U-15 and U-20 inter-school athletic championships this week. The ceremonial launch event was conducted at the administrative complex housing the DDNO/MJSAC, drawing significant attendance from government officials, educational administrators, sports coordinators, parents, and enthusiastic community members supporting young athletic talent.

    Scheduled to commence on February 26, 2026, at Parc Capois-la-mort, the competitions will feature sixteen educational institutions partitioned into four competitive groups. The games are designed to showcase the athletic potential of Northwestern Haiti’s youth while promoting physical education as a developmental tool.

    During the opening ceremony, Destima Raymond Fedner, Northwestern Departmental Director of MJSAC, delivered an address emphasizing school sports’ critical role as a mechanism for community development, social unity, and talent identification. He articulated that the government’s dedication to encouraging athletic participation from early ages is now materializing, aiming to cultivate a generation that is healthy, active, and socially responsible.

    The Ministry has endorsed this initiative as aligning with the classical principle ‘mens sana in corpore sano’ (a sound mind in a sound body), attributed to the Roman poet Juvenal. This initiative reinforces the Ministry’s strategic vision to establish sports as a fundamental component of regional development—serving as both a catalyst for social integration and a medium for fostering peace, educational growth, and camaraderie among the department’s schools.