Carib Scope

标签： Haiti

海地

  • U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers : Our Grenadières dominate Guatemala [3-0] and qualify for the final tournament

    U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers : Our Grenadières dominate Guatemala [3-0] and qualify for the final tournament

    In a display of formidable prowess, Haiti’s U-17 women’s national soccer team, known as the Grenadières, achieved a decisive 3-0 victory against Guatemala on February 2, 2026, at the FFK Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao. This triumph marked their fourth consecutive win in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers, securing their advancement to the final tournament stage.

    The match began with immediate intensity as Haiti established control from the opening minutes. Krystel Châtelain initiated the scoring in the 4th minute with a precise left-footed strike from a challenging angle, capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity. Merely a minute later, Keisha Gue amplified the lead with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, demonstrating exceptional technical skill.

    As the first half concluded, Kerdina Lamour solidified Haiti’s dominance by converting a penalty kick with clinical precision into the top right corner during stoppage time. This third goal effectively sealed the outcome before halftime.

    French coach Frenoy Baptiste maintained consistency by fielding the identical starting lineup that had previously defeated the Cayman Islands. The team featured several diaspora players representing clubs in Canada, the United States, Scotland, and Puerto Rico, alongside domestic talent from Haiti.

    Following the interval, Haiti managed the game comfortably, preserving their substantial lead against Guatemala’s Mataão squad, who struggled to mount any significant offensive response. Strategic substitutions were implemented in the second half, including goalkeeper Abeegayel Favilus being replaced by Shama Jean Baptiste in the 89th minute.

    The victory positions Haiti at the summit of Group C with a perfect record: four victories, seventeen goals scored, and only one conceded. This outstanding performance guarantees their progression to the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers’ final stage, where they will confront the confederation’s elite teams for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup in Morocco.

  • Health : MSF warns of the extent of sexual violence in Port-au-Prince (Report)

    Health : MSF warns of the extent of sexual violence in Port-au-Prince (Report)

    A disturbing new report from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) documents an alarming escalation of sexual violence being systematically employed as a tool of terror against the population of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The comprehensive analysis, titled “Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Port-au-Prince,” reveals that incidents have nearly tripled since 2021, with monthly admissions at MSF’s specialized Pran Men’m clinic surging from approximately 95 cases to over 250 by 2025.

    The findings, drawn from a decade of medical data and victim testimonies, paint a harrowing picture of deliberate brutality. Since 2022, 57% of patients reported assaults perpetrated by armed groups, frequently involving gang rape scenarios. Shockingly, more than one hundred victims described being attacked by ten or more assailants simultaneously.

    Women and girls across all age groups are being targeted, with displaced individuals particularly vulnerable due to their precarious living situations. The report indicates nearly 20% of treated patients have endured multiple assaults, highlighting the cyclical nature of the violence.

    Critical healthcare access remains severely compromised, with only one-third of survivors reaching the clinic within the crucial 72-hour window for HIV prevention. Additionally, 59% arrive after five days, missing opportunities to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Systemic barriers including fear of stigmatization, financial constraints, security concerns, and information gaps prevent victims from seeking timely care.

    MSF’s Head of Mission in Haiti, Diana Manilla Arroyo, emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and recognition of sexual violence as a deliberate weapon of control. The organization calls for guaranteed free access to comprehensive medical and psychosocial support services for survivors amid Haiti’s collapsing infrastructure and deteriorating living conditions.

  • NATCOM 2026 : Development of its digital financial ecosystem and cross-border connectivity

    NATCOM 2026 : Development of its digital financial ecosystem and cross-border connectivity

    Haiti’s leading telecommunications provider, National Telecom S.A. (NATCOM), has unveiled an ambitious 2026 strategic roadmap centered on expanding its digital financial infrastructure and enhancing international connectivity networks. This initiative positions the company at the forefront of Haiti’s digital economic transformation while strengthening financial bridges between the Caribbean nation and its global diaspora communities.

    Building upon a year of substantial contributions to both national fiscal resources and telecommunications infrastructure development, NATCOM is escalating investments in network quality enhancement and expanded service coverage. The company’s user-centric digital platform approach aims to revolutionize financial accessibility while improving domestic connectivity frameworks.

    The cornerstone of NATCOM’s strategic vision is Natcash, its innovative mobile wallet platform that has become instrumental in driving financial inclusion across Haiti. This comprehensive financial tool enables users to conduct payments, transfer funds, manage deposits and withdrawals, and oversee personal finances through secure mobile interfaces. The platform has dramatically extended its international remittance capabilities through strategic alliances with CamTransfer and Unitransfer, providing Haitians overseas with efficient, transparent, and reliable channels for sending financial support to families domestically.

    Concurrently, NATCOM is deepening collaborations with international partners to facilitate seamless top-up services and cross-border payment solutions for users across the United States, Canada, France, Mexico, Chile, and numerous other countries. These efforts establish Natcash as an emerging leader in Caribbean financial technology and money transfer services.

    As 2026 commences, NATCOM reaffirms its dedication to accelerating Haiti’s digital evolution through secure, accessible, and sustainable financial technologies and telecommunications solutions that interconnect individuals, businesses, and economic opportunities nationwide.

  • FLASH : Canoe capsizes in French Guiana, 2 Haitians rescued and 4 missing

    FLASH : Canoe capsizes in French Guiana, 2 Haitians rescued and 4 missing

    A devastating maritime incident has unfolded in French Guiana, resulting in significant casualties among Haitian nationals. On the morning of Saturday, January 31st, at approximately 6:15 AM, an aluminum-hulled canoe transporting six Haitian teachers met with tragedy on the Maroni River near Grand-Santi. The vessel encountered critical engine failure, rapidly taking on water before ultimately sinking beneath the surface.

    According to official reports from the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed profound dismay at the incident, two passengers alongside the canoe operator were successfully rescued by emergency response teams. Tragically, four individuals remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. Subsequent developments confirmed the recovery of two bodies on Sunday, with identification procedures currently underway as confirmed by French Guiana Prefect Antoine Poussier. The damaged canoe has also been retrieved from the waterway.

    The survivors’ testimonies revealed concerning circumstances preceding the accident. Prosecutor Aline Clérot of Cayenne disclosed that the group had spent the previous evening at a bar in neighboring Suriname before attempting their return journey to Grand-Santi. Critical safety violations were noted: none of the passengers wore life jackets despite mandatory regulations effective since January 1st, 2026, and the navigation occurred during prohibited nighttime hours.

    Authorities have launched comprehensive search operations involving approximately thirty rescue personnel, including divers, with river and aerial assets coordinated extensively. The Civil Security helicopter Dragon 973 continues aerial surveillance while firefighters, gendarmerie units, and approximately ten additional canoes participate in the mission. Technological reinforcement through drone deployment commenced Monday to enhance search capabilities.

    The Surinamese canoe operator now faces serious legal consequences, having been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering lives due to flagrant violation of safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Haitian government has demonstrated active engagement through its Consulate General in Cayenne, maintaining constant communication with French Guianese authorities throughout the ongoing operations.

  • Technology : Commissioning of technological tools at the service of education

    Technology : Commissioning of technological tools at the service of education

    In a significant stride toward educational modernization, Haiti’s North-East Department has launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative aimed at revolutionizing school administration and learning outcomes. On January 30, 2026, Luckner Mompremier, Departmental Director of Education for the North-East (DDE-NE), unveiled three groundbreaking technological platforms during a press conference with educational stakeholders.

    The innovative suite comprises SCAPPED, a mobile application for attendance tracking and educational progress monitoring; an Intelligent Assistance System serving as a 24/7 digital concierge for the educational community; and enhanced SIGEEE capabilities for real-time student and teacher management. These tools represent a concerted effort to bridge technological gaps in regions with connectivity challenges while promoting administrative transparency.

    SCAPPED’s offline functionality enables reliable staff presence verification and data collection in low-connectivity areas, ensuring uninterrupted administrative oversight. The Intelligent Assistant provides instant, around-the-clock support for teachers, principals, parents, and partners seeking remote communication with the DDE-NE. SIGEEE’s upgraded features empower school directors with real-time monitoring capabilities including attendance management, academic record consultation, and student transfer processing.

    During the presentation, educators expressed both enthusiasm and practical concerns regarding implementation. Director Mompremier addressed these by announcing comprehensive training programs to facilitate seamless technology integration. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in Haiti’s educational development, demonstrating how targeted technological solutions can enhance governance, strengthen communication channels, and ultimately improve educational quality in challenging environments.

  • Justice : Bar Association President Patrick Pierre-Louis asks the CPT to be held accountable

    Justice : Bar Association President Patrick Pierre-Louis asks the CPT to be held accountable

    In a strongly worded official statement dated January 28, 2026, the Port-au-Prince Bar Association has issued a stark condemnation of Haiti’s transitional leadership. Under the presidency of Patrick Pierre-Louis, the legal body has called for immediate accountability from members of the Presidential Transitional Council, citing catastrophic failures in strengthening the nation’s justice system during 19 months of exceptional transitional governance.

    The Association’s declaration highlights multiple systemic failures, particularly emphasizing the unresolved assassination of President Monferrier Dorval after sixty-five months of investigation. The statement further condemns the absence of effective judicial and security policies to combat terrorist acts perpetrated by armed gangs against vulnerable populations.

    Expressing profound concern about the deterioration of rule of law institutions, the Bar Association warned of impending crises within the criminal justice system. These deficiencies are expected to manifest when addressing numerous legal cases involving investigations, judicial decisions, and enforcement of judgments related to offenses committed during the transition period.

    The statement specifically references the exhaustion of the April 3, 2024 Political Agreement by the February 7, 2026 deadline, noting the grave dangers this situation poses to governmental structures and national sovereignty. The Association expressed outrage at public displays of petty squabbles among highest state authorities, which they characterize as being driven by clan or individual biases rather than national concerns.

    Despite these criticisms, the Bar Association emphasized the necessity of preserving general interest through constructive dialogue among the nation’s vital forces. The statement serves as both a reminder of the Political Agreement that provided normative basis for the Council’s legitimacy and an invitation for leadership to account for their governance exercises, enabling the nation to learn from this critical transitional experience.

  • U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifier : 3rd victory, our Grenadières dominate the Cayman Islands [3-0]

    U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifier : 3rd victory, our Grenadières dominate the Cayman Islands [3-0]

    In a display of technical mastery and strategic discipline, Haiti’s U-17 women’s national football team secured their third consecutive victory in the FIFA World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 win over the Cayman Islands on January 31, 2026. The match, held at the FFK Willemstad Stadium in Curaçao, demonstrated Haiti’s growing dominance in Group C of the CONCACAF qualification tournament.

    The Grenadières established control from the opening whistle, with Keisha M. Gue breaking through the Cayman Islands’ defense in the 7th minute. Gue’s precision right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area found the bottom right corner, giving Haiti an early advantage. The team maintained relentless pressure, culminating in Léa Jacques’ spectacular right-footed free kick in the 31st minute that extended Haiti’s lead to 2-0 by halftime.

    Throughout the second half, Haiti demonstrated superior ball control and tactical organization, effectively neutralizing the Cayman Islands’ offensive attempts. The match concluded with Daphney Louis securing the final goal during stoppage time (90+1′) with a left-footed strike from the center of the penalty area, assisted by Rosalie St. Louis.

    Head coach Frenoy Baptiste implemented strategic substitutions throughout the match, including Gilouse Alisha Jean-François for Alyssa Somer Manasse and Adjani Kamanzi-Mondestin for Krystel Châtelain at the 60-minute mark. The team’s starting lineup featured players from diverse football backgrounds, including clubs in Canada, the United States, Scotland, and Haiti itself, highlighting the diaspora’s contribution to Haitian football development.

    With this victory, Haiti maintains top position in Group C with a perfect record of 9 points from three matches, having scored 14 goals while conceding only one. The team’s impressive goal differential of +13 positions them favorably ahead of their crucial upcoming match against Guatemala, who trail with 7 points after a draw against Saint Lucia.

    The upcoming fixture against Guatemala on February 2nd will determine which team advances to the final qualification stage for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. Haiti’s current form suggests strong potential for securing qualification and potentially making history in international women’s football.

  • Environment : Inauguration of the Morne Casse landfill

    Environment : Inauguration of the Morne Casse landfill

    A significant advancement in Haiti’s environmental infrastructure was achieved on January 30, 2020, with the formal inauguration of the Morne Casse Solid Waste Landfill Center in Fort-Liberté. This landmark project represents a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Haiti’s Ministry of the Environment, and the Government of Japan through its financial backing.

    The newly established facility, developed under the Solid Waste Management System Strengthening Project, introduces a comprehensive waste management solution for the Northeast Department. The center features an extensive landfill cell spanning over 22,000 square meters, complemented by a sophisticated weighbridge system that enables precise tracking of waste volumes and enhances operational planning.

    Beyond conventional waste disposal, the Morne Casse Center incorporates forward-looking sustainability features including dedicated areas for waste storage, sorting, recycling, and composting operations. The infrastructure is designed to eventually support biogas production, creating additional value from waste materials while addressing environmental concerns.

    The inauguration ceremony gathered distinguished representatives including Xavier Michon (UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti), Minister of Environment Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils, and Ueno Yohei from the Japanese Embassy’s Cooperation Office. Local municipal leaders from Fort-Liberté, Ouanaminthe, and Ferrier participated alongside civil society organizations, underscoring the project’s regional significance.

    Officials emphasized the transformative potential of this infrastructure in combating health hazards and environmental degradation associated with improper waste disposal. The facility specifically addresses problems of illegal dumping that have previously caused livestock fatalities and compromised community wellbeing through contamination.

    This initiative stands as a testament to international cooperation, with Japanese support demonstrating ongoing commitment to Haiti’s development challenges. The project establishes a new benchmark for sustainable waste management practices that could serve as a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

  • Social : US bishops urge the Trump administration to extend TPS

    Social : US bishops urge the Trump administration to extend TPS

    In a significant humanitarian appeal, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called upon the Trump administration to reverse its decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 300,000 Haitian immigrants facing imminent legal limbo. With the February 3rd, 2026 deadline approaching, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Chairman of the Conference’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, emphasized the critical nature of the situation in a January 29th statement.

    The religious leaders highlighted the severe security conditions in Haiti that make repatriation impossible, citing the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 travel advisory warning of ‘life-threatening risks’ including widespread kidnapping, civil unrest, and terrorist activities. Adding to these concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a complete flight ban from all U.S. cities to Port-au-Prince, effectively eliminating safe return corridors.

    While acknowledging that TPS was designed as temporary relief, the bishops emphasized that current circumstances demand executive action. They noted that despite previous calls for congressional legislation to create pathways to permanent status for long-term TPS holders, no such legislative solution has materialized, leaving the administration with both the authority and moral responsibility to act.

    The statement concluded with a powerful invocation of solidarity with the Haitian community worldwide and a prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, patroness of Haiti, seeking divine intervention for a population facing unprecedented uncertainty and danger.

  • FLASH : Nearly 6,000 dead and 3,000 injured by 2025 due to insecurity

    FLASH : Nearly 6,000 dead and 3,000 injured by 2025 due to insecurity

    A stark United Nations assessment has revealed Haiti’s escalating humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly 6,000 fatalities and over 2,700 injuries documented throughout 2025. The comprehensive report from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) details a devastating fourth quarter alone, recording 1,523 killings and 806 injuries between October and December.

    The analysis indicates that criminal gangs maintained persistent control over portions of Port-au-Prince throughout 2025, though law enforcement operations successfully prevented further territorial expansion. These armed groups continued systematic human rights violations including targeted assassinations, widespread kidnappings, extortion networks, property destruction, and child trafficking for criminal exploitation.

    Beyond the capital, rural regions including Artibonite and Centre departments faced indiscriminate assaults as gangs attempted to consolidate power. Agricultural communities suffered particularly severe targeting, with attacks on farmers and their livelihoods triggering mass displacement, economic collapse, and intensified humanitarian needs.

    The report identifies a complex security landscape where approximately 6% of casualties resulted from actions by self-defense groups and participants in the ‘Bwa Kalé’ movement targeting alleged gang collaborators.

    Notably, over 62% of recorded casualties occurred during law enforcement operations, some conducted with support from a private military company employing drone technology and helicopter strikes. This foreign security contractor significantly expanded its operational reach beyond Port-au-Prince and Kenscoff into new territories including Cabaret and Pétion-ville. Airstrikes resulted in at least 32 civilian casualties, including two young girls.

    The UN document further highlights ongoing allegations of summary executions involving police personnel, while noting three officers killed and five wounded during the quarter, alongside one injury within the FRG forces.