CARICOM Summit | Crisis in Haiti a regional emergency and an economic opportunity - Holness
Published:Tuesday | July 8, 2025 | 2:57 PM
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti must no longer be treated as a national issue, but as an urgent regional priority—with economic consequences for the entire Caribbean.
Speaking at a high-level CARICOM–CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) engagement on Tuesday at Sandals Montego Bay in St James, held on the sidelines of the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, Holness stressed that a secure Haiti is essential to a secure Caribbean.
“This is not only a national emergency. It is a regional priority. The success of our region is tied to the security and stability of all our member states,” Holness said, adding that the prolonged collapse of governance in Haiti presents a dangerous precedent.
“The situation that gangs have taken over a state is not a good example for this region, and the longer it stays in that state, the longer it will be a threat for all states in this region.”
His comments come as Haiti continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of political instability, gang violence, and the absence of a functioning government.
In March, then Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his intention to step down following an emergency meeting of Caribbean leaders in Jamaica—a move that followed months of pressure from CARICOM and the international community to find a solution to the leadership vacuum.
Holness, now chair of CARICOM, signalled Jamaica’s intention to build on the efforts of former chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, who helped broker that transition agreement.
“I’m going to dedicate great effort, as did Prime Minister Mottley, to ensure that the situation in Haiti is again brought to the fore of global attention,” Holness said.
“I believe that we can have a positive impact.”
He called for greater coordination and urgency in supporting Haiti’s path to stability, noting that regional security extends beyond crime and borders—touching sectors like telecommunications, banking, shipping, and judicial systems.
However, Holness also framed Haiti as a potential economic partner, calling for the private sector to view the nation not just through the lens of crisis, but of untapped potential.
“Haiti is a tremendous opportunity waiting to be discovered. It is an incredible market, people with incredible talent and resources,” he said.
“If we could assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti to settle the issues and strengthen the state, the region as a whole would benefit economically.”
CARICOM has been under increasing pressure to play a more direct role in Haiti’s recovery.
Earlier this year, the bloc committed to working alongside Kenya and other partners to support a UN-backed Multinational Security Support mission to restore order.
Jamaica has supported the efforts, deploying personnel to the mission, and has been instrumental in rallying regional consensus.
While security remains at the forefront, Holness’ remarks added a rarely stated economic imperative: that stabilising Haiti could open the door to trade, investment, and labour mobility benefits for the wider Caribbean.
“We must remain laser-focused,” Holness concluded.
“A stable Haiti is not just a humanitarian concern; it is a strategic necessity for the future of the Caribbean.”
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