The Security Council held its 8815th (private) meeting on the question concerning Haiti on July 8th, 2021. Her Excellency Inga Rhonda King, Permanent Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, expressed deep sadness for Haiti on behalf of SVG and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). She also expressed disappointment that CARICOM was unable to participate in the meeting, under rule 37. Rule 37 of the Security Council provides for the participation of member states when the Security Council considers that their interests are specially affected.
Her Excellency expressed that SVG is saddened by the assassination of Haiti’s President and the actions against his wife and condemned such actions. She also said that the Heads of Government of CARICOM met in a special Emergency Session on Wednesday 7 July, in the aftermath of the assassination and that the Caribbean Community condemned the abhorrent and reprehensible act at this time.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a member of the Caribbean Community is deeply shocked and saddened by this heinous act that took place on 7 July 2021 on Haitian soil against President JovenelMoise and his family. The assassination of President Moise must be condemned and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
In her call for justice, SVG’s representative, Her Excellency King, emphasized the importance and weight of the rule of law.
“The rule of law must always prevail and never be compromised; that is why we stand in solidarity in this august body to address the situation in Haiti. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines echoes CARICOM’s call to this Council, the United Nations system as a whole, the international community and, in particular, key development partners to do all within their power to aid in this situation at this time.”
Her Excellency Inga King expressed great concern for the First Lady, Madam Martine Moise, who was wounded in the attack and sent warm wishes of full and speedy recovery. She stated that CARICOM remains willing to play a lead role in facilitating a process of national dialogue and negotiation to help the Haitian people and their institutions to craft an ingenious long-term solution to the crisis and ongoing challenges. She reinforced that SVG and CARICOM stand with sister country Haiti during this time and expressed condolences to the late President’s family.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the entire Caribbean Community hope for unity and calm, even at this time of national peril, and we will continue to stand with our Haitian brothers and sisters, as they remain in our thoughts and prayers.”