Meet Haiti’s new cabinet: the key players shaping the transition under Fils-Aimé

Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has unveiled an 18-member cabinet to steer the country through its transition, expanding on the previous administration’s 14 ministers. Here’s a closer look at Fils-Aimé and the key figures in his team.

Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Haiti’s Prime Minister

Businessman Fils-Aimé, 52, a former Senate candidate, was among the leading candidates for the Prime Minister following an agreement among various national sectors facilitated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) back in March. However, the CPT eventually selected Conille, whose tenure was short-lived.

Fils-Aimé holds a degree in Business Management with a specialization in Finance from Boston University and has completed the Leaders in Development Program at Harvard University. His appointment comes at a critical time as he aims to curb the gang-led insecurity and prepare for the upcoming elections slated for the end of 2025.

The Haitian PM is well-known in Haiti’s business world. He is the owner and shareholder of several companies, including Haiti Networking Group SA (HAINET), an internet service provider in Haiti; Blanchisserie du Soleil, a dry cleaning chain; COFI Industrie SA, a manufacturer of paper products; and San Aquino SA, which is involved in developing the tourism industry.

Fils-Aimé is also actively involved in Haiti’s associative life, having served as Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti (CCIH) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the West (CCIO) during Michel Joseph Martelly’s presidency. He co-founded the Haitian Association of Information and Communication Technology Enterprises (ATIC). He has also been a member of  Haiti’s Presidential Commission on Information and Communication Technologies.

Alfred Metellus, Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)

Before becoming Haiti’s current Minister of Economy and Finance, he served as the country’s representative to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where he also worked as a consultant for the bank’s Argentina and Haiti offices.

Métellus is a well-known figure in Haiti’s public administration. He previously held the position of Secretary of State for the Economy of Haiti before being removed from office by former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe in 2016.

Antoine Augustin, Minister of National Education and Professional Training (MENFP) 

With a doctorate in sociology from the University of Liège, Antoine Augustin has served in key educational and governmental roles. He led Health Education at Grand-Goâve Hospital, about 35 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. 

From 1999 to 2003, Augustin directed the Secondary Education Directorate at the MENFP, focusing on pedagogical oversight and developing key educational materials. He also coordinated the Institutional Strengthening Project (PRI). Augustin also contributed to national policy development and collaborated with international bodies like the IDB and UNICEF.

Erick Dessources, Minister of Tourism (MT)

Dessources is a professional in planning and economics with over 15 years of experience. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma (DES) in Applied Economics, specializing in planning, and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Development Economics. 

Additionally, Dessources has a background in Social Communication, along with certifications in public procurement and research ethics. He has held several key positions, including chief of staff to James Monazard during his tenure as Minister of Tourism, before succeeding him at the ministry. 

Throughout his career, Dessources has collaborated with various ministries, including Tourism, Planning, and Economics, and the Port-au-Prince municipality on urban development projects. He has worked with international organizations (NGOs) such as the IDB, World Bank (WB), USAID, European Union (EU), and several nongovernmental organizations like World Vision, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Initiative for Youth Development (IDEJEN), CARE Haiti, and Mercy Corps.

Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST)

Georges Wilbert Franck is an advocate for human rights, an experienced educator and a unionist with a strong involvement in Haiti’s educational sector. He holds a degree in Modern Literature from the Ecole Normale Supérieure of the State University of Haiti (ENS) and pursued Political Science at the National Institute of Management Administration and Advanced International Studies of the State University of Haiti (INAGHEI). 

Additionally, he obtained a Master’s degree in French Diffusion, Exchange, and International Cultural Cooperation from the University of Rouen in France in 2005. As a university professor, Georges also holds the Technician of Training and Development position at the Ministry of National Education of Haiti, contributing significantly to the country’s educational development. In 2021, he decided to step down from his role as the head of coordination for the National Union of Normaliens and Educators of Haiti (UNNOEH).

Harvel Jean-Baptiste, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs (MAEC)

Ambassador Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste studied psychology at the State University of Haiti (UEH) and earned a degree in Development Studies from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. He began his career in 1986 with the Haitian Methodist Church, contributing to creating the National Civic Education Program.

In 1989, he co-founded the NGO Haitian Ecumenical Center for Intervention in Rural and Urban Areas (COHIMRU).

In 1993, he joined Haitian diplomacy, holding positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Consul General in Montreal and Chargé d’Affaires in Brazil. In 2001, he became Inspector General of the Haitian National Police. He later served as minister counselor in Spain and Chile. In 2012, he became Haiti’s Ambassador to Chile and Peru. In May 2016, he was appointed Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Organization of the American States (OAS).

James Monazard, Minister of  Commerce and Industry (MCI)

James Monazard, a law graduate, has worked at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). Starting as the deputy director of the Industrial Control and Regulation Directorate, he steadily progressed to become the director general in 2021. 

His journey culminated in his appointment as the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. Monazard has held various important positions within both the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. With a legal background, he has also served in executive roles in

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Meet Haiti’s new cabinet: the key players shaping the transition under Fils-Aimé was first posted on November 19, 2024 at 10:25 am.