On October 31, 2025, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) released the 2025 Draft Electoral Decree, a comprehensive 103-page document featuring over 400 articles. The decree, which is now open for public consultation, mandates diaspora voting and ensures women’s participation in the electoral process through incentives for political parties. Political actors and civil society organizations are invited to collect printed copies of the document from the CEP offices in Pétion-ville and submit feedback by November 10, 2025. Key provisions include Article 6, which grants the CEP authority over electoral operations both domestically and in Haitian diaspora communities, and Article 140, which requires political parties to include at least one woman in their Senate candidate lists per department. Additionally, Article 138 mandates that 30% of National Assembly candidates must be women, with parties exceeding 50% receiving increased state funding. The decree also introduces discounted registration fees for women, candidates with disabilities, and those with advanced academic degrees. The draft decree will undergo revisions based on feedback before being published in the official gazette, ‘Le Moniteur.’
标签: Haiti
海地
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News : Zapping…
Haiti has officially transitioned to a state of normalcy following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. On November 30, 2025, the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the National Risk and Disaster Management Plan, announced the lifting of the weather alert. This decision, marking a return to green-level conditions, signals the end of the hurricane’s influence on the country’s weather. Minister of National Education Antoine Augustin confirmed the resumption of school activities starting October 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the hurricane continues to unfold. The provisional death toll has risen to 30, with 20 injured and 20 missing, according to Civil Protection. In response, Minister of Economy and Finance Alfred Metellus activated the emergency fund to support recovery efforts, ensuring resources are available for Civil Protection, local communities, and relevant ministries. In other news, a police operation in Tabarre resulted in the deaths of four members of the ‘Kraze Baryè’ gang, led by Vitelhomme Innocent. On a brighter note, Haitian author Yanick Lahens was awarded the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction by the French Academy for her novel ‘Passagères de nuit’ (Night Passengers), receiving widespread acclaim from the French Embassy in Haiti and the National Library of Haiti. Additionally, Haiti’s U-17 Grenadiers have secured support from 13 sponsors as they prepare for their first match against Egypt in the Qatar 2025 World Cup on November 4.
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iciHaiti – Post-Melissa : Health sector review
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating winds and torrential rains to Haiti, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, the Minister of Public Health, convened a critical meeting with key health sector partners. The session focused on evaluating the hurricane’s impact and strategizing a response to ensure the continuity of essential health services across the nation. The assessment highlighted minimal damage to health facilities in most departments, with only minor incidents reported at Saint-Antoine Hospital in Jérémie and Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix. Additionally, a flash flood affected the courtyard of the South Departmental Hospital in Les Cayes. Dr. Sinal praised the dedication of health workers and the support from international organizations like PAHO/WHO and UNICEF. He emphasized the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and vigilance against potential health risks, particularly waterborne diseases, in the hurricane’s aftermath.
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Education : Patriotic appeal to the Haitian scientific community in the diaspora
In a bold move to revitalize Haiti’s education system, Augustin Antoine, the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Haitian scientific community abroad. The minister’s call seeks to transform the nation’s ‘brain drain’ into a ‘return of knowledge,’ fostering a renewed connection between Haitian researchers at home and those in the diaspora. This initiative aims to integrate research into Haiti’s public policies, economy, governance, and culture, ultimately building a ‘Haiti of knowledge.’
Despite ongoing efforts, Haiti’s university system continues to grapple with significant challenges, including insufficient research, funding shortages, lack of scientific supervision, and outdated infrastructure. The recently established Public Universities in the Regions (UPRs) are particularly in need of technical support, mentorship, international partnerships, and sustainable resources to strengthen their operations and contribute to national development.
Minister Antoine envisions the Haitian scientific diaspora playing a pivotal role in this transformation, not only as intellectual collaborators but also as strategic supporters of the National Education Fund (FNE), a cornerstone of the country’s public education policy. The Ministry plans to create a structured program of scientific and academic cooperation, enabling Haitian researchers abroad to contribute in three key areas: training teachers and school administrators, supporting the Departmental Directorates of Education (DDEs), and aiding the UPRs in research, innovation, and institutional development.
This initiative represents more than just a resource-gathering effort; it is a call to unite the Haitian national community around a shared vision of knowledge, excellence, and progress. Minister Antoine’s appeal emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the identity of the Haitian scientific diaspora as the ‘voice, strength, and light’ of a resilient Haiti that continues to believe in its potential and refuses to surrender to adversity.
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Post-Melissa : President Trump authorized immediate intervention
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the Caribbean on October 28, 2025, President Trump has authorized an urgent U.S. intervention to aid affected regions, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm caused extensive flooding and destruction, prompting a swift mobilization of resources to address the crisis. Secretary of State Rubio deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), comprising urban search and rescue units, to assess needs and provide critical assistance. The State Department is collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, and local governments to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. Financial contributions to reputable relief organizations are encouraged, as cash donations enable the purchase of urgently needed supplies locally, reducing delays and supporting regional economies. Humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts with local stakeholders to ensure an effective and adaptable response. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned against scams targeting donors and urged vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of relief organizations. U.S. citizens abroad in need of emergency consular assistance are advised to contact the Department of State or their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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NOTICE : The BRH authorizes loan moratoria or restructuring
In a significant move to alleviate financial strain on borrowers impacted by the ongoing crisis, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) has announced the authorization of loan moratoriums and restructuring for eligible clients. Governor Ronald Gabriel issued Circular 115-7, which permits financial institutions to implement these measures from November 3, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The circular aims to support individuals and businesses that have maintained a good credit history but have been adversely affected by the crisis over the past three fiscal years. Eligible clients must formally request and justify their need for a moratorium or restructuring with their respective financial institutions. During the moratorium period, borrowers are only required to pay interest on outstanding debts, and their credit ratings will remain unchanged until the moratorium expires. Upon its conclusion, borrowers must resume regular monthly payments, including both principal and interest, while retaining their credit rating as of September 2026. The circular also extends the loan term by the duration of the moratorium. Circular 115-7 replaces the previous Circular 115-6, effective October 1, 2024, and will come into force on November 3, 2025. For further details, the complete circular is available for download at the provided link.
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News : Zapping…
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact across the Caribbean, the United States has swiftly mobilized its disaster response capabilities. The U.S. Department of State has deployed a Regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and activated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) units to support relief operations. These teams are collaborating with affected nations, local communities, and international partners to assess needs and coordinate emergency responses. U.S. Ambassador Wooster and the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince have expressed profound condolences to those who lost loved ones, emphasizing solidarity with bereaved families, the injured, and the displaced. The U.S. is working closely with Haitian authorities and humanitarian organizations to address the aftermath, including flooding and landslides caused by the storm. Meanwhile, Haiti is also making strides in other areas. Team Haiti, a group of talented young individuals aged 17 to 18, is set to represent the nation at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, an international robotics competition in Panama. Their innovative robot, designed to promote ecological balance and biodiversity, reflects Haiti’s commitment to sustainability. On the humanitarian front, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) continues its daily distribution of 24,000 hot meals to internally displaced persons in Delmas and Port-au-Prince. Additionally, 12 young professionals have been employed by the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) as part of a youth employment initiative. In leadership news, Dice Conte Saint Louis and Gamy Clervil have been appointed as the new Director General and Deputy Director General, respectively, of the Miragoâne National Port Authority.
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Politic : Government expresses sympathy and mobilizes following Melissa’s passage
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Haiti, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, on behalf of the Haitian government, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The storm, which struck on October 29, 2025, caused severe damage across multiple regions, particularly in the Grand Sud and the commune of Petit-Goâve, where the La Digue River overflowed, leading to widespread flooding. Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Protection indicate a concerning provisional death toll, with the government expressing profound sorrow and solidarity with the affected communities. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the need for national unity and collective responsibility in addressing the crisis. Immediate directives have been issued to key ministries and agencies to mobilize resources effectively. The Minister of Public Works, Transport, and Communications has been tasked with clearing blocked roads and restoring infrastructure, while the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development is assessing agricultural losses and proposing measures to revive food production. Additionally, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund has been instructed to provide emergency aid, including food, water, and hygiene kits, to those impacted by the disaster. This tragedy underscores Haiti’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards and highlights the urgent need for coordinated disaster response efforts.
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FLASH : The Haitian National Police announces a series of victories against terrorist gangs
In a significant development, the Haitian National Police (PNH), alongside the Gang Repression Force (FRG), has reported a series of decisive victories against terrorist gangs across multiple regions. These coordinated operations mark a turning point in Haiti’s ongoing battle against organized crime and terrorism. In Artibonite, particularly in Désarines and Liancourt, PNH forces successfully neutralized terrorists, confiscated heavy weaponry, and liberated communities previously under gang control. In the Centre region, specifically Lascahobas, increased patrols and strategic maneuvers led to the recapture of key areas, further weakening gang influence. Port-au-Prince witnessed a major security overhaul, with precision operations targeting gang sentries and members, resulting in the restoration of economic activities and the resumption of cabinet meetings at the National Palace. The security perimeter in the city center has now been extended to Boulevard Jean-Jacques Dessalines, signaling a strengthened law enforcement presence. Acting Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Paraison praised the bravery of PNH officers and urged the public to continue their cooperation by providing actionable intelligence. These victories underscore the PNH’s commitment to restoring stability and security in Haiti, offering a glimmer of hope for a nation long plagued by violence and instability.
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FLASH : 41 victims, 13 missing (provisional report from Melissa)
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in Haiti, with the latest provisional report confirming 41 fatalities and 13 individuals still missing. The storm, which initially threatened the Caribbean nation, has now moved southwest toward Bermuda, leading to a gradual decrease in humidity and rainfall over the next 48 hours. Despite this, the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has maintained various alert levels across multiple departments due to ongoing risks of heavy rain and high waves. The departments of Grand’Anse, Nippes, and South remain under red alerts, while others like West and South-East have been downgraded to orange alerts. The Civil Protection Directorate has reported significant flooding, particularly in the West, where the La Digue River overflowed, causing widespread damage and loss of life. In Grand’Anse, a motorcycle accident resulted in injuries and a missing passenger. Over 13,900 people have sought refuge in 121 active shelters, with conditions in these facilities being closely monitored to ensure access to basic necessities. The agricultural sector has also been severely impacted, with banana plantations, fruit trees, and other crops suffering extensive damage. Road infrastructure has been heavily affected, with several routes blocked by fallen trees and floodwaters. Urgent repairs are needed to restore traffic flow and facilitate aid delivery. Health concerns are rising, with reports of diarrhea cases in shelters and a shortage of drinking water in some areas. The Haitian government and international aid organizations are mobilizing resources to address the immediate needs of the affected population and to begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
