The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced its opposition to threats by the United States to suspend Haiti from the Organisation of American States (OAS), because of controversies surrounding that country's May 21st election results.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Mr. Edwin Carrington said the Community Council of Ministers meeting in Barbados at the time of the disturbing developments were shocked by the news and were ” inclined against any action against Haiti at this time.”
“We do not understand the basis for such action, and we would need to have extensive discussions on this matter,” Mr. Carrington told a news conference at the Sherbourne Centre in Barbados.
Mr Carrington said the Council, which is made-up of CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers, has agreed to consult with St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon Kenny Anthony, who has responsibility for Justice and Governance under the Community quasi cabinet arrangement, to determine what action to be taken by CARICOM.
Former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Sir John Compton, who headed a CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission to Haiti, recommended that the Community considers mounting a follow-up Ministerial Mission to Haiti.
Council Chairman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Sam Condor, described Sir John's report on the Haiti elections as favourable.
