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Former Minister: Unrealistic to Think CARICOM can Help Haiti

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A former Free National Movement cabinet minister doesn’t believe CARICOM will be able to improve conditions in Haiti, adding Haitian people have a history of resistance.

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A former Free National Movement cabinet minister doesn’t believe CARICOM will be able to improve conditions in Haiti, adding Haitian people have a history of resistance.

As countries bind together to lend aid to Haiti amid ongoing instability, former Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister says CARICOM can’t help Haiti.

Bannister’s comments follow a CARICOM meeting to assist Haiti and after Canada pledged millions of dollars in support to Haiti as well as military help.

The former Carmichael MP predicts the environment in Haiti won’t change.

But as countries unite to support Haiti, The Bahamas grapples with an influx of Haitian migrants, sometimes by the boatloads.

Immigration Minister Keith Bell says more than 1,100 migrants have been repatriated so far this year, the majority of them Haitian nationals.

Bannister says Haiti’s history is one that saw other countries go into Haiti and try to assist.