Haitian PM at Caricom summit where Rubio is reassuring leaders unsettled by Trump

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was at the 50th Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit of the region’s government heads, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure the leaders over recent policy shifts under President Donald J. Trump.

Themed “Going beyond words: Acting today for a prosperous and sustainable CARICOM,” the conference held in St. Kitts and Nevis put Haiti in the spotlight since its crises puts the entire region at risk. Fils-Aimé’s participation follows his signing Monday of a “National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections,” backed by multiple political parties and civil society organizations. 

“The Prime Minister will reaffirm the firm commitment of the Republic of Haiti to work actively, alongside Caricom member states, to strengthen stability, regional solidarity, and shared prosperity across the hemisphere,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Monday’s agreement recognizes Fils-Aimé as head of the executive branch and outlines plans to restore security, organize elections and assist victims of gang violence. Critics note the pact sets no clear deadline for his departure from office. 

The pact also calls for a cabinet reshuffle. As a result, Serge Gabriel Collin was appointed minister of Economy and Finance, a post previously held by Fils-Aimé after he dismissed former Minister Alfred Métellus. The latter was tapped by presidential council members to replace Fils-Aimé during their failed attempt to fire the prime minister before their departure on Feb. 7. 

Other cabinet member shakeups so far include Chesnel Jean François, named director general of taxation, and Kesner Romilus, who now leads the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES). Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, the minister of Foreign Affairs, has also been dismissed. Raina Forbin, who served as chief of staff to former CPT President Laurent Saint-Cyr, is rumored to succeed Jean-Baptiste in the post.

Caricom leaders reiterated that Haiti’s crisis remains a regional priority. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday warned that instability in Haiti threatens broader Caribbean security.

“Regional prosperity cannot exist without regional stability,” Friday said, citing Haiti as requiring urgent attention.

Fils-Aimé was expected to meet with Rubio Wednesday. Various leaders have concerns about Trump’s recent military strikes of boats in the Caribbean. For Haiti in particular, many are concerned about the detention and deportation of immigrants, with some possibly going to countries in the region other than Haiti.

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