标签： Haiti

In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation witnessed a mix of resilience, progress, and recognition on October 15, 2025. Businessman Cedrick Vorbe made headlines after successfully escaping a kidnapping attempt on Airport Road. Viral social media footage captured Vorbe opening fire on his captors, forcing them to flee. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) resumed operations after a two-week shutdown. Workers were instructed to arrive in uniform and with their ID cards, while law enforcement units were deployed to ensure peace and stability. In a symbolic move, all Cabinet Meetings will now be held at the National Palace, reaffirming the government’s presence in downtown Port-au-Prince. On the cultural front, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert was celebrated for receiving the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize, adding to his long list of accolades. The judicial system also saw progress, with the President of the Court of Cassation reviewing the past year’s achievements, including 1,097 decisions rendered by the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. Additionally, the United States announced its support for the Haitian National Police, funding the training of 892 new recruits to combat gang activity and restore stability.

Celebrity Cruises, a prominent Miami-based cruise line under the Royal Caribbean Group, has announced the suspension of its stops at Labadee, Haiti, through 2026. This decision stems from escalating safety concerns in the region, prompting the company to revise 11 of its itineraries, primarily affecting voyages aboard the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond. In lieu of Labadee, the cruise line will now redirect its ships to alternative destinations, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. This move mirrors a similar announcement by Royal Caribbean in September 2025, which also canceled all Labadee visits until at least spring 2026. Haiti has been under a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory since March 2024, issued by the U.S. State Department due to persistent political instability, rampant crime, kidnapping threats, and terrorist activities. The advisory highlights the presence of gangs designated as terrorist organizations, further exacerbating the nation’s security crisis. The suspension of cruise visits to Labadee underscores the ongoing challenges facing Haiti’s tourism industry and its broader socio-political landscape.

Haiti is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as violence and instability have forced over 1.4 million people to flee their homes, marking the highest displacement figure ever recorded in the country. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this represents a staggering 36% increase since late 2024. Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Haiti Chief of Mission, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for sustained international support to address the crisis and restore dignity to affected populations. He highlighted the resilience of Haitian communities, which are hosting approximately 85% of displaced individuals despite severe resource constraints. The crisis has extended beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, with 64% of new displacements occurring in regions like Centre and Artibonite. Displacement sites are severely overcrowded, lacking basic services, while spontaneous sites have surged by 68% since December 2024. Women and children, comprising over half of the displaced, are disproportionately affected, with many families resorting to sending children to safer areas. Additionally, the return of over 250,000 Haitians expelled from the Dominican Republic since January 2025 has exacerbated the situation along the border. In response, IOM has expanded its operations, providing emergency shelter, clean water, health services, and psychosocial support to vulnerable families. The organization has also appealed for increased international funding, warning that without immediate action, the suffering of displaced Haitians will only intensify.

In a series of significant developments, Haiti has witnessed a mix of diplomatic, cultural, and public health updates. The Consulate of Haiti in Dajabón has issued a crucial notice regarding Schengen visa regulations. Haitian nationals holding a single-entry Schengen transit visa are now barred from entering the Dominican Republic. To transit through the Dominican Republic, travelers must possess a safe-conduct pass, a multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a valid visa from the United States or Canada. This directive, enforced by Dominican immigration authorities, underscores the importance of verifying travel documents before approaching the border.

In the realm of culture, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert has been honored with the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize. Awarded on October 14, 2025, this accolade recognizes Dalembert’s extensive literary contributions. He follows in the footsteps of French writer Mathieu Belezi and was presented the award in the presence of esteemed jury member Dany Laferrière.

On a somber note, the town of Lanzac in Montrouis has reported a tragic outbreak of rabies. In September 2025, at least five individuals succumbed to the disease after being bitten by infected stray dogs. This incident highlights the urgent need for effective public health measures to combat such outbreaks.

In sports, French coach Sébastien Migné reflected on Haiti’s 3-0 defeat to Honduras in a post-match interview. Migné acknowledged the match’s challenges, identified areas for improvement, and emphasized the team’s resilience and determination to persevere.

On the international front, preparations are underway for the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, as per UN Resolution 2793. Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), is scheduled to visit Haiti at the end of October to oversee these efforts.

Lastly, a promising collaboration has emerged between Cap-Haitien and Taiwan. Transition Advisor Emmanuel Vertilaire, along with his Cabinet, met with Taiwanese Ambassador Cheng-Hao Hu to discuss funding for a sanitation project in Cap-Haitien. The discussions yielded favorable outcomes, paving the way for municipal authorities to initiate the coordination phase. This project, supported by technical and administrative assistance, aims to enhance the city’s sanitation infrastructure.