(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett on Thursday, 10 April, welcomed His Excellency Chenet St. Vil as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to CARICOM, emphasising that his appointment presents an invaluable opportunity to deepen and expand relations with Haiti.
During the ceremony to accept Ambassador St. Vil’s Letters of Credence, Dr. Barnett highlighted the significant responsibility he holds in representing Haiti at a crucial juncture in its history and in its relationship with CARICOM.
“The Caribbean Community has been, and continues to be, an active partner in Haiti’s journey towards the re-establishment of security and stability. Haiti is a part of the CARICOM family, and we remain committed to supporting and uplifting the people of Haiti. As a demonstration of this commitment, we continue to pursue CARICOM’s Good Offices role in Haiti,” Dr. Barnett affirmed.
She also underlined the importance of Haiti’s engagement in regional integration, stating, “Regional integration enhances the national and collective advancement of CARICOM Member States. It is in this context that we look forward to your country’s active participation to accelerate progress on key components of the regional integration project.”
Welcoming Ambassador St. Vil to the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors, Dr. Barnett highlighted the committee’s strategic role in supporting the Community Council of Ministers. She noted that the Committee plays a key part in advancing the implementation of CARICOM decisions at the national level while promoting the benefits and development agenda of the Community.
In his remarks, Ambassador St. Vil expressed “sincere appreciation” to CARICOM, acknowledging its unwavering support through the Good Offices of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which “continues steadfastly to support ongoing efforts towards a long-lasting solution in Haiti.”
Reflecting on Haiti’s relationship with CARICOM, Ambassador St. Vil reaffirmed the importance of regional integration in Haiti’s foreign policy, stating that CARICOM has become “increasingly well-known in Haiti.”
He highlighted Haiti’s contributions to regional cooperation, particularly in moments of political and economic stability, citing the Heads of Government Conferences hosted in Haiti in 2013 and 2018, as well as the successful staging of CARIFESTA XII in 2015, as clear demonstrations of Haiti’s potential within the bloc.
Ambassador St. Vil pledged Haiti’s continued dedication to achieving full integration into CARICOM, “in the best interest of all Member States.”
