The First of Antigua, Gaston Browne•©️picture : EFE
Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on 16 February, Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged the European Union to strengthen its support for Haiti at the EU-Caribbean Parliamentary Assembly. Caribbean leader called for an international commitment to support a Haitian transition « legitimate, transparent and accountable »led by the Haitians themselves.
Speaking to the delegates of this regional meeting, Browne stressed that for small states, « international law is not optional, it is existential ». He stressed that the Haitian crisis demonstrates that security and governance issues cannot be addressed in isolation, calling for a coordinated and sustainable response.
The Head of Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed the commitment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to a Haitian-led exit from the crisis, with the support of the international community. In his view, the restoration of security remains essential in order to put an end to the suffering of the population and to organize free and credible elections, enabling the complete restoration of democratic institutions.
Beyond the Haitian issue, Browne advocated for an expanded partnership between the Caribbean and the EU, which is not limited to trade and investment. He proposed the establishment of a permanent consultative mechanism to coordinate regional positions, including priorities such as food, energy, health and combating transnational crime.
W.A.
