Prime Minister Dr. Drew calls for international action on Haiti crisis at UNGA79

rime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, participated in a United Nations High-Level Meeting on Haiti during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79) on September 23, 2024. 

Representing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Drew called for immediate and coordinated global action to address Haiti’s political and humanitarian crises. He emphasised CARICOM’s commitment to stabilising Haiti and highlighted the diplomatic progress made under St. Kitts and Nevis’ leadership during its tenure as chair of CARICOM, which fostered meaningful dialogue with the United States on Haiti.

PM Drew stressed the necessity of regional and international cooperation to support Haiti’s long-term stability and recovery. He praised the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group for mobilising support for Haiti and underscored the importance of collective regional efforts. 

Dr. Drew also addressed the severe security challenges posed by gangs, calling for targeted actions to curb the trafficking of women and girls, which he described as a grave humanitarian issue. He advocated for the recruitment of security personnel proficient in Haitian Creole to improve communication and ensure culturally sensitive law enforcement.

In his remarks, Dr. Drew thanked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s UN Ambassador, Bob Rae, for their steadfast support for Haiti. 

Trudeau, who also addressed the meeting, focused on the ongoing crises in Haiti, affirming Canada’s support for the country’s political transition and humanitarian efforts.

Prime Minister Trudeau earlier met with Haiti’s acting prime minister, Garry Conille, and stressed the importance of global unity in addressing Haiti’s challenges while cautioning that the status quo cannot persist. 

Haiti, under Conille’s leadership, is preparing for potential elections in 2026.

Both Dr. Drew and Prime Minister Trudeau have emphasised the urgency of international collaboration to ensure Haiti’s stabilisation and recovery, with a focus on supporting the transitional government and addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian needs.