Haiti’s Government renews state of emergency

Haiti has renewed a State of Emergency (SoE) for several areas in the French-speaking CARICOM (Caribbean Community) country, as the authorities continue their efforts to restore peace and stability to there.

Justice and Security Minister, Carlos Hercules, said that the SoE, which has been renewed for one month until September 19, will be for the departments of Artibonite, Centre, Nippes, West and the districts of Plaisance and Limbe of the Department of the North.

“In accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Decree of March 15, 2021 revising the Law of April 15, 2010 amending that of September 9, 2008 on the state of emergency and by virtue of the order taken in this sense, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) wishes to draw attention to certain exceptional measures that may be taken, in particular : the closure of establishments when there is no other means of protection; the evacuation of people; the construction or demolition of structures as well as the movement of any property; the suspension of certain essential services such as road, maritime, air and telephone communication in the departments and districts affected by the state of emergency,” the Haitian Government’s declaration stated.

 “The Government may also requisition additional emergency resources and accommodation facilities belonging to private individuals, if the logistical resources available to public services are not sufficient,” according to the government note.

It said that during this period, “curfews may be established if necessary in the departments and districts where a state of emergency has been declared.”

“It is also important to remember that the import, sale, purchase, distribution and use of fireworks during the state of emergency is prohibited,” it added.

Haiti has been without an elected head of state since July 7, 2021, when Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his private residence overlooking Port au Prince.

His murder and subsequent events led to CARICOM establishing an Eminent Persons Group comprising former prime ministers Dr Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Perry Christie of The Bahamas, and Bruce Golding of Jamaica, in a bid to help solve the political and socio-economic situation in the country.

The head of Haiti’s Transitional President Council (TPC), Edgard Leblanc Fils, said that he expects presidential and legislative elections to be held by the end of 2025. —PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC)

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