As Caribbean leaders gathered for the summit, reports emerged of worsening conditions in Haiti, where armed groups continue to undermine stability. The destruction of the historic Hotel Oloffson further underscored the severity of the crisis.
The UN has reported over 4,000 killings in Haiti since January, marking a 24% rise compared to the previous year. Laurent Saint-Cyr, a member of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, urged the region to take a unified stance against arms smuggling and drug trafficking, which exacerbate instability.
“Haiti urgently requires a collective regional effort to ensure security, peace, and long-term development,” Saint-Cyr emphasized during a press conference. He also called for stronger advocacy with international partners to enhance cooperation.
Holness stressed the need for a cohesive regional strategy to combat the growing threat of organized crime, which has expanded beyond street violence. “We must target gang networks, cut off their funding, and eliminate their influence,” he said. “This demands an aggressive and coordinated approach.”
The summit highlighted the shared commitment of Caribbean nations to strengthen security measures and support Haiti amid its deepening crisis. Leaders emphasized collaboration as essential in confronting the evolving challenges of crime and violence in the region.
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