The Conference:
Having engaged in deep and wide-ranging exchange of views with His Excellency Jean-Bertrand Aristide, newly-elected President of Haiti on political developments in that country;
Having been assured by His Excellency of his commitment to take such action, as lies within his authority, to address certain concerns arising from the 21 May 2000 elections, especially regarding the election of Senators, and, having also been assured of his determination to establish a new Conseil Electoral Provisoire (CEP);
Determined that expanding the economic and social opportunities available to the Haitian people in their own country would reduce the incentive for so many to seek improved economic prospects abroad, often at great peril, and would instead contribute to the growth and development of Haiti;
Reiterated their commitment to supporting the building and strengthening of democratic institutions as a basis for economic and social development;
Emphasised to His Excellency the necessity for Haiti to adhere, as is required of all Community Member States, to the Charter of Civil Society, and in keeping with Haiti’s undertaking as a condition of its Terms of Accession to the Caribbean Community;
Agreed at the invitation of President Aristide, to explore the possibility of a joint CARICOM/International Mission to Haiti to help set in train and facilitate implementation of the various undertakings to which the President had given his commitment;
Decided to establish a CARICOM Office in Haiti at the earliest possible opportunity, and to foster contacts at all levels between the citizens of Haiti and the people of the Caribbean Community.
Bridgetown, Barbados
February 16, 2001
