It is my pleasure to bring to you New Year greetings from His Excellency Michel Martelly and the people of the Republic of Haiti, my home country which has just celebrated its 210th year of independence on January 1st.
Today’s ceremony recalls the tens of thousands of people who perished in the devastating earthquake 4 years ago. Haitian people, Hand in Hand, are working very hard to rebuild the country stronger than ever. The economy is growing at a positive rate, the business climate has improved as well as the security environment, as you have witnessed during your recent visit in Haiti. Haiti is back on track, “Haiti is open for business”.
It is also an honour and a privilege for me to be a part of this historic moment for the Caribbean Community and the Republic of Haiti, as the first ever plenipotentiary representative of Haiti before the Community. As a former staff of the Secretariat, It is a great pleasure to meet my former colleagues, I am very grateful to some of you who have played a great role in who I am today.
Mr. Secretary General,
I want to emphasize the importance that the Government of Haiti bestows on its participation in the regional integration movement. In 2013, for the first time ever, Haiti’s President, Michel Martelly, chaired the rotating presidency of the Conference of Heads ofState and Government of CARICOM. During that year, we also hosted the 24th Intersessional meeting of the Conference, the 5th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Association of Caribbean States and no less than two high-level CARICOM meetings. And we are getting ready to host the CARIFESTA XII in 2015.
I want to reiterate what President Martelly said during the 24th intersessional meeting, and I quote “Haiti should be seen and treated as an opportunity. Despite its difficulties, it represents a good opportunity for the region, an opportunity for each CARICOM country”. We represent a market of nearly ten million inhabitants; we have unexploited natural assets, and process a rich cultural heritage that can provide a meaningful contribution to the wealth of our economies” End quote. A Haitian economy that works will best serve the interests of CARICOM and will help expand the regional market and opportunities”.
It is in this context that I want to take this opportunity to advocate for my country and to encourage people from the region to take full advantage of the Republic of Haiti’s accession into the Community. Allow me to reassure you that all efforts are being made to fully integrate the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and to diversify our trading partners.
Your Excellency,
I would like to highlight the importance of the full integration of French as one of the Official Languages of the Community, along with English. The achievement of this goal will benefit the people of the region.
During the Thirty-Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government which took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, President Martelly emphasised the needs of the people who are living with disabilities. Recently, under the leadership of my country, Ministers from the region agreed to address the issue of people living withdisabilities and special needs with renewed energy and dedication to the development of legal frameworks at the national level.
Haiti is committed to continue playing its part and will recommend at the 25th Intersessional meeting to be held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that a related portfolio be created. Consequently, we are looking forward to working with the CARICOM Secretariat and the Community on the implementation of the Declaration de Pétion-Ville.
Mr. Secretary General,
As the “Change Driver” of Haiti, I would like to commend you for your emphasis on the reform process within the Community. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to express the commitment of Haiti to the Community. We support the finalization of the New Strategic Plan for CARICOM, which will drive the whole integration process over the next 5 years.
Mr. Secretary General,
You can rest assured that as of today, Haiti shall continue working very hard to achieve the Community’s goals in the best interests of all Member countries.
Thank you
Vive Haiti, Vive CARICOM
