Carib Scope

标签： Haiti

海地

  • Security : General mobilization of State security forces against gangs

    Security : General mobilization of State security forces against gangs

    In a decisive move to combat rampant gang violence, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé spearheaded a high-level security summit at the National Police headquarters in Clercine on December 28, 2025. The strategic meeting assembled key security officials including Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier, Public Security Secretary Mario Andrésol, and Acting Police Director Vladimir Paraison, signaling an unprecedented coordinated response to the nation’s security crisis.

    The gathering marked the formal activation of a tripartite security offensive involving Haiti’s National Police (PNH), Armed Forces (FAd’H), and specialized Gang Suppression Unit (FRG). This coordinated mobilization represents the most comprehensive security operation undertaken against armed criminal networks that have destabilized the nation.

    During the strategic briefing, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé officially acknowledged critical international support from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, which has provided 25 armored personnel carriers to enhance operational capabilities. This tactical equipment is expected to significantly improve officer protection and intervention effectiveness in high-risk operations.

    The Prime Minister delivered an unequivocal declaration of the government’s stance: “Our combat targets criminal elements exclusively. Our mission is national security restoration. The state will neither compromise nor negotiate with those who threaten public safety.” He emphasized that the newly acquired assets would enable systematic reclaiming of gang-controlled territories and establish sustainable security frameworks.

    Concluding the address, Fils-Aimé positioned security restoration as the foundational prerequisite for constitutional normalization, announcing that 2026 would be dedicated to organizing democratic elections and revitalizing Haiti’s republican institutions.

  • Mexico : Launch of the «Makaya – Cuitláhuac» University Chair

    Mexico : Launch of the «Makaya – Cuitláhuac» University Chair

    In a landmark academic partnership, the University of Haiti (UEH) and Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM) have established the “Makaya-Cuitláhuac” Chair, named after revered figures in Haitian and Aztec resistance history. This collaborative initiative, formalized through a five-year renewable agreement signed earlier this month, represents a significant advancement in cross-cultural academic cooperation between the two nations.

    The newly launched chair will serve as a platform for comprehensive studies addressing pressing contemporary challenges. Research and academic activities will encompass numerous critical domains including art and bio-resilience, poverty alleviation strategies, cultural heritage preservation, and human rights advocacy. The program will also facilitate specialized investigations into natural disasters, social discrimination, forced displacement patterns, and gender-based violence within armed conflicts.

    Academic exchanges will feature an array of conferences, specialized seminars, and research residencies, with hosting responsibilities alternating between UEH and UNAM. The partnership’s inaugural phase will commence at the Mexican institution, establishing a framework for sustained intellectual collaboration.

    During the signing ceremony, UEH Rector Prédélus acknowledged key contributors including Mexican Ambassador to Haiti José de Jesús Cisneros Chávez, Haitian Ambassador to Mexico Hubert Labbé, and several academic and diplomatic officials whose concerted efforts enabled the initiative’s realization.

    Rector Prédélus emphasized the agreement’s historical significance, noting that the partnership transcends conventional administrative cooperation. The collaboration embodies both institutions’ commitment to developing equitable academic partnerships that address the specific socioeconomic realities of Haiti and Mexico while creating enhanced educational opportunities for students, faculty, and broader communities.

  • Justice : Haiti’s double debt discussed at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris

    Justice : Haiti’s double debt discussed at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris

    In a landmark address at Paris’ prestigious Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Dieuseul Prédélus, Rector of Haiti’s State University and President of the Haitian National Committee for Restitution and Reparation (CNHRR), presented a compelling case for historical justice regarding what he termed Haiti’s “double debt” imposed by France in 1825.

    Addressing academics, students, diaspora members, and distinguished guests, Prédélus delivered an emotionally charged speech that traced Haiti’s two-century struggle for dignity and reparations. He recounted how Haiti, having achieved independence through bloodshed, was subsequently forced under threat of French naval invasion to pay massive indemnities to its former colonizers—creating what he described as a “moral absurdity” where a liberated people had to pay to avoid re-enslavement.

    The financial burden, contracted through what Prédélus characterized as “usurious” French banking interest rates, trapped the Caribbean nation in a century-long debt spiral that permanently crippled its development prospects. The CNHRR president emphasized that Haiti’s demand constitutes neither charity nor revenge but rather “an act of basic justice” grounded in contemporary international law and UN principles regarding crimes against humanity.

    Prédélus cited current estimates valuing the debt between $21-115 billion in today’s terms, posing a fundamental moral question: “How can one demand that a people pay for their liberation from a crime against humanity?”

    The address acknowledged evolving attitudes in France, including the emergence of a new generation willing to confront historical truths, the establishment of a joint Franco-Haitian historical commission, and the French National Assembly’s June 2025 resolution encouraging governmental consideration of restitution pathways.

    Outlining the CNHRR’s 2026 roadmap, Prédélus issued a passionate appeal for national unity and diaspora mobilization, framing the restitution struggle as transcending political and generational divisions. He positioned reparations not as historical score-settling but as an opportunity to build a more just future—for Haiti’s regained dignity and development possibilities, and for the international community to redress profound historical injustice.

    The speech concluded with a solemn call for global solidarity around what Prédélus characterized as a fundamental matter of historical justice and human dignity.

  • FLASH : US Donation of 25 New Armored Vehicles to the PNH

    FLASH : US Donation of 25 New Armored Vehicles to the PNH

    In a significant move to reinforce Haiti’s security infrastructure, the United States has delivered 25 armored personnel carriers to the Haitian National Police (PNH). The handover ceremony occurred on December 27, 2025, at the National Port Authority (APN) headquarters, where Acting PNH Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Paraison and senior officials formally received the tactical vehicles.

    The donation, facilitated through the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), represents a strategic enhancement to Haiti’s law enforcement capabilities. These armored vehicles are specifically designed to improve operational effectiveness in high-risk zones while providing critical protection for police units during interventions.

    Commander Paraison expressed official gratitude for the American contribution, acknowledging the continued partnership between the two nations. The equipment transfer occurs within the framework of bilateral cooperation emphasizing professional law enforcement standards, institutional autonomy, and operational security.

    This substantial logistical support demonstrates Washington’s commitment to assisting Port-au-Prince in its ongoing struggle against armed gangs and terrorist elements that have destabilized the country. The armored vehicles are expected to enable more balanced tactical deployment nationwide while increasing the mobility and safety of Haitian police forces operating in dangerous environments.

  • Politic : Launch of the digital retirement portal (video)

    Politic : Launch of the digital retirement portal (video)

    In a significant stride toward administrative modernization, Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has officially launched a comprehensive digital retirement portal designed to transform how public servants manage their pension benefits. The innovative platform, accessible at https://dpc.mef.gouv.ht/, represents a cornerstone of the national digitalization policy for public services.

    The initiative was formally introduced during an information session held in Les Cayes on November 28, where a delegation led by Ms. Ester Musac, Director of Civil Service Pensions, engaged with public employees from the Nippes, Grand’Anse, and South departments. The event, themed ‘Understanding Retirement: Meaning, Preparation, and Challenges,’ provided crucial guidance on retirement planning while demonstrating the new digital tools.

    This technological advancement enables civil servants and retirees to perform multiple functions electronically, including tracking pension file statuses, updating personal information, and receiving secure notifications. The system covers various pension-related procedures such as registration, transfer requests, and survivor’s pension applications.

    Ms. Musac emphasized the portal’s significance, stating: ‘This portal exemplifies our commitment to creating a more efficient, citizen-centric administration. We aim to ensure every retiree can access their information with ease and security.’ The digital solution not only enhances transparency by allowing real-time file monitoring but also reduces administrative delays, minimizes physical travel requirements, and improves data management efficiency.

    This development marks a pivotal advancement in Haiti’s public service reform agenda, demonstrating the government’s dedication to leveraging technology for improved citizen services and more effective retirement management systems.

  • Education : Only 18% of schools in the country are public (2024-2025)

    Education : Only 18% of schools in the country are public (2024-2025)

    A comprehensive national education census conducted during the 2024-2025 academic year has revealed critical insights into Haiti’s school system, highlighting an overwhelming dependence on private institutions. The survey, organized under the theme ‘Resansman lekòl jodi, se prepare zouti pou planifye edikasyon demen’ (School census today, preparing tools to plan education tomorrow), provides alarming statistics about educational infrastructure across the Caribbean nation.

    The data indicates that Haiti’s education landscape serves approximately 4,028,897 students across all levels. The breakdown shows 861,812 children enrolled in preschool programs, over 2.6 million (2,645,319) students in primary education, and 521,766 learners in secondary institutions. The most striking finding reveals that of the 18,241 schools operating nationwide, a mere 17.7% constitute public institutions, while private establishments dominate with 82.3% market share.

    This privatization trend becomes even more pronounced at the secondary level, where only 4% of the country’s 7,683 institutions are publicly managed. Geographic distribution further compounds the challenge, with 45% of secondary schools concentrated solely in the West Department, creating significant regional disparities in educational access.

    The human resource component of the system includes 34,759 preschool educators and 82,180 teachers serving the first two cycles of primary education. These figures will inform strategic planning and resource allocation decisions by educational authorities.

    From this extensive data collection effort, the Ministry of Education has produced several key publications: a National Yearbook of School Statistics, ten Departmental Registers, and a statistical bulletin titled ‘Haiti, Education in Figures.’ This accomplishment resulted from collaborative efforts between the Directorate of Planning and External Cooperation (DPCE), the General Directorate of the Ministry of National Education, the Education Management Information System (SIGE), and the Project Coordination Unit (UCP). The initiative received technical and financial backing from major international organizations including the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and UNESCO.

    Minister of Education Augustin Antoine emphasized that effective governance—a cornerstone of the Ten-Year Education and Training Plan (PDEF/2020-2030)—requires reliable, coherent, and continuously updated information systems. The Minister has subsequently directed the DPCE team to expand data collection to include non-formal education programs and enhance existing information on higher education institutions.

  • Social : Christmas party for children rescued from gangs

    Social : Christmas party for children rescued from gangs

    In a heartwarming holiday event, Haitian Minister of Social Affairs Georges Wilbert Franck joined a special Christmas celebration for children rescued from criminal gangs. The gathering took place on December 23, 2025, at the Transit and Orientation Center (CTO) operated by the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR).

    Minister Franck addressed the young survivors who had been forcibly recruited by armed groups, encouraging them to embrace the guidance provided by dedicated support staff working toward their rehabilitation. “The State is determined to put an end to all forms of juvenile violence aimed at jeopardizing the lives of the country’s future good citizens,” Franck declared during his inspirational speech.

    The official highlighted the significant progress made since the Haitian government and United Nations system established a formal protocol for the transfer, reception, and care of children associated with armed gangs. This collaborative effort has successfully recovered over one hundred minors, placing them in specialized facilities like the CTO where they receive comprehensive support services.

    IBESR Director Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignified and respectful behavior among the young recipients of Christmas gifts. The ceremony occurred at a facility currently housing 29 rescued children—26 boys and 3 girls—who are undergoing structured rehabilitation programs.

    This event symbolizes Haiti’s ongoing commitment to addressing gang-related violence and protecting vulnerable youth through institutional support and international cooperation, offering hope for the nation’s future generation.

  • Economy : Note on the monetary policy of the BRH (4th quarter 2024-2025)

    Economy : Note on the monetary policy of the BRH (4th quarter 2024-2025)

    Amid persistent global economic headwinds and domestic turmoil, Haiti’s Central Bank (BRH) has implemented a cautiously conservative monetary approach during the fourth quarter of 2024-2025. The international landscape remained constrained by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, restrictive trade measures, and diminished growth patterns, collectively exacerbating inflationary trends worldwide.

    Haiti’s internal situation presented even more severe challenges, with protracted socio-political unrest and widespread security instability severely constraining economic operations. These conditions have intensified price escalation pressures and dramatically worsened food scarcity across the nation.

    In response to these dual pressures, the BRH adopted a protective monetary strategy focused on preserving exchange rate consistency, curbing inflationary surges, and reinforcing the banking sector’s defensive capabilities. Economic metrics reveal a concerning trajectory: the Overall Economic Activity Indicator registered a 2.4% contraction during the first three quarters of the fiscal year.

    The human impact of this crisis is staggering, with official statistics indicating approximately 1.4 million internally displaced citizens and 5.7 million Haitians experiencing severe food insecurity—including one million children in critically vulnerable conditions.

    Inflation reached 31.9% annually by September 2025, representing a significant increase from the 28.4% recorded in June. This inflationary spiral stems from crippled domestic production capabilities and recurrent supply chain interruptions.

    Fiscal operations showed increased government spending (up 15.4%) alongside modest revenue growth (5.7%), while trade imbalances widened with exports declining 8.41% to $635.93 million and imports surging 10.78% to $3,642.7 million. Despite these pressures, the exchange rate remained notably stable at approximately 130.69 gourdes per U.S. dollar.

    Looking forward, Haiti’s economic recovery prospects remain intimately tied to global economic developments and—most critically—domestic security improvements. The central bank has committed to continuing its supportive stance toward small and medium enterprises and productive sectors including tourism, while maintaining its dual focus on exchange rate stability and inflation containment.

  • Nippes : Construction of the departmental incinerator for biomedical waste

    Nippes : Construction of the departmental incinerator for biomedical waste

    The Nippes Department of Haiti is witnessing a significant enhancement to its healthcare infrastructure with the ongoing construction of a specialized biomedical waste incineration facility. This strategic initiative, vigorously championed by Departmental Health Director Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, represents a critical advancement in regional public health and environmental safety.

    During a recent inspection of the construction site, Dr. Dumont emphasized the facility’s vital role in establishing secure disposal protocols for medical waste generated by both public and private healthcare institutions. She characterized the incinerator as an indispensable tool for mitigating health hazards, safeguarding community wellbeing, and ensuring ecological preservation—addressing a longstanding deficiency in the department’s waste management capabilities.

    Financial backing for this essential project is provided by the World Bank, with operational oversight delegated to the Project Management Unit and Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health under Minister Dr. Sinal Bertrand. The Haitian construction company SOPEC PLUS has been entrusted with the physical execution of the project.

    The path to construction required considerable institutional coordination. The designated plot, adjacent to the Departmental Health Directorate offices, had been subject to unlawful occupation. Through Dr. Dumont’s determined leadership, a collaborative effort involving police, judicial authorities, the General Directorate of Taxes, and the Ministry of Planning successfully reclaimed the property for its intended public use.

    Construction is now advancing at an accelerated pace, reflecting the unwavering commitment of health authorities to see this crucial public health project through to completion, marking a new chapter in medical waste management for the Nippes region.

  • Justice : The Government releases 23 prisoners for the holiday season

    Justice : The Government releases 23 prisoners for the holiday season

    In a significant humanitarian gesture during the 2025 holiday season, Haitian authorities granted freedom to 23 individuals who had been held in prolonged pretrial detention for minor offenses. The releases occurred on December 24th following an extensive case review process conducted by a high-level government delegation.

    The delegation included Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier, Women’s Rights Minister Pedrica Saint Jean, Government Commissioner Fritz Paterson Dorval, and Court Dean Bernard Saint-Vil. Their visit to the Center for the Re-education of Minors in Conflict with the Law (CERMICOL) spanned several hours and involved meticulous examination of detention files.

    Those released included vulnerable populations specifically identified for clemency: five women, one minor girl, thirteen minor boys, and four men. All had been incarcerated for several years despite facing only minor charges. Justice Minister Pélissier emphasized that the government carefully excluded anyone accused of serious crimes including rape, violent offenses, or kidnapping from this holiday pardon initiative.

    The action was implemented in strict accordance with Haitian legal provisions, with officials noting they considered the complex legal, social, and human circumstances of each individual case. The releases represent both a compassionate holiday gesture and a practical step toward addressing Haiti’s chronic issue of prolonged pretrial detention, particularly affecting women and juveniles in the judicial system.