CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated Haiti on its 213th anniversary as an Independent nation, saying the country’s liberation was a catalyst for independence for other countries in Latin America and later, of the Caribbean.
Haiti gained its independence on 1 January 1804 after a hard fought anti-slavery and anti-colonial battle against the French colonisers. It became a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 1 July 2002.
The Caribbean Community cherishes Haiti’s membership, the Secretary-General said in his congratulatory message to the country’s Provisional H.E. Jocelerme Privert.
Read full message:
“It is with pleasure that, on behalf of the Caribbean Community, I extend to the Government and People of the Republic of Haiti congratulations and best wishes on the celebration of Two hundred and Thirteen years as an independent nation.
Excellency, the Caribbean Community cherishes Haiti’s membership and views your country’s liberation as a catalyst which triggered the independence of other countries of Latin America and, later, of the Caribbean and to the abolition of slavery in the modern world. Today, CARICOM is pleased to join the People and Government of Haiti in celebrating its Two Hundred and Thirteenth Anniversary of Independence and extends best wishes for the continued progress of Haiti.
Please accept, Excellency, heartfelt congratulations from the Caribbean Community on this proud moment in the history of your country”.
