Haiti’s Airport Temporarily Closed Amid Gang Violence

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Nov. 11, 2024: Haiti’s Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport was temporarily closed on Monday as gangs attempted to seize control of the area, following threats by criminal leaders to resume violent activities and cautioning the public to remain off the streets.

Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier speaks into his walkie talkie before a mission, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 5, 2024. (Photo by CLARENS SIFFROY/AFP via Getty Images)

Spirit Airlines, a U.S.-based carrier, reported that a flight bound for Haiti was diverted to the Dominican Republic after gunfire struck the aircraft, injuring a crew member. Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where inspection confirmed damage consistent with gunfire. Spirit has since suspended its service to Haiti.

The U.S. Embassy issued a statement on Monday acknowledging gang efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, warning of potential armed violence and disruptions. “The U.S. Embassy is aware of a temporary pause in operations at the Toussaint L’Ouverture airport as of November 11, 2024,” it said, urging travelers to consider their security risks and avoid travel unless necessary.

The attack followed a video statement by Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue” and leader of the “Vivre Ensemble” gang, who announced that the group was resuming its offensive. “The time has come to take the destiny of this country into our own hands,” he declared. Another gang leader, affiliated with the “Jeff Gwo Lwa” group, advised the public in several regions to avoid travel to Port-au-Prince due to expected clashes.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Office voiced concerns over the escalating crisis in Haiti, where nearly 4,900 people have been killed in violence this year, and displacement has reached 700,000 people, including 12,000 in the last month alone. Food insecurity is at an unprecedented level, affecting 5.4 million Haitians, and some regions are facing famine-like conditions.

Despite these challenges, UN agencies and partners continue delivering humanitarian aid. In early 2024, approximately 1.9 million people received support, including food and water distributions. However, the $684 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains only 43 percent funded.

Amid the turmoil, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as prime minister by decree. This decision, published in the official journal Le Moniteur, is contested by current Prime Minister Garry Conille, who argues it lacks constitutional grounds. In an open letter, Conille criticized the TPC’s move as outside “any legal and constitutional framework,” emphasizing that only Parliament can dismiss a sitting prime minister under Article 158 of Haiti’s Constitution.

The ongoing instability and political conflicts continue to deepen Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, underscoring the need for urgent international support and effective governance solutions.

Suspect In Murder Of Ascot Michael For Court Appearance Today

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News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. Nov. 11, 2024: The suspect in the murder of former Antigua and Barbuda parliamentarian Asot Michael is set to make his first court appearance today.

Ascot Michael murder suspect, Alexta Francis

Michael, 54, a prominent public figure, was found dead in his home last Tuesday, reportedly from stab wounds. Media reports suggest that Alexta Francis, 27, a landscaper, confessed and provided police with evidence supporting his confession. Prime Minister Browne expressed confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation and noted the importance of delivering justice swiftly in such high-profile cases, given the potential impact on the nation’s reputation.

A police statement confirmed Francis’ arrest and thanked the public for its cooperation. The Commissioner of Police also praised his team’s professionalism and commitment to solving the case. No motive has so far been released for the murder.

Browne commended local police for their swift action in apprehending Francis, who was arrested late Friday and charged with Michael’s murder.

On his weekly Pointe FM radio show, Browne praised law enforcement’s quick response, saying, “Law enforcement must be commended for this quick apprehension, and we appreciate the public’s help in providing intelligence that led to this arrest.”

The Antigua cabinet said Michael will be given an official funeral.

Haiti PM Fired Six Months After Appointment

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News Americas, New York, NY, Sun. Nov. 10, 2024: Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, (TPC), today announcedthe dismissal of Prime Minister Garry Conille, a decision anticipated to heighten the ongoing political and socio-economic tensions in the CARICOM nation.

Prime Minister of Haiti Garry Conille, seen here with President of Kenya William Ruto (unseen) at the State House in Nairobi on October 11, 2024, was sacked on Nov. 10, 2024. (Photo by LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images)

The decree, signed by TPC leader Leslie Voltaire, marks Conille’s removal just 6 months after he was appointed in May and sworn in in June following the resignation of former Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.

The decree, which international media reports indicate will be published Monday, appoints businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime as Conille’s successor. However, political analysts note that only the Haitian Parliament has constitutional authority to dismiss a prime minister, creating controversy around the TPC’s decision in the absence of a functioning Parliament. Former Justice Minister Bernard Gousse described the move as “illegal,” alleging that the council overstepped its powers amid lingering allegations of corruption.

Just a day prior, Conille addressed a TPC-organized forum focused on advancing Haiti’s electoral process, where he stressed the need for collaboration among political figures to enable a peaceful transition of power by February 7, 2026. “The Haitian people expect us to fight and succeed on their behalf,” Conille said, affirming that close to half of the funding for the referendum and electoral process is secured, with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and the National Conference on Constitutional Reform poised to oversee these initiatives.

Conille emphasized Haiti’s need for “new governance” by 2026 and discussed substantial progress on the transitional projects, including establishing the CEP and securing funds for critical phases of the national conference, slated to launch officially on November 12, 2024. “Despite the crisis, we are committed to the election process,” he stated, urging political leaders to support constitutional reforms and voter mobilization.

This development follows recent CARICOM-led discussions aimed at reducing tensions between the TPC and the interim government. The regional organization previously expressed concerns about the rift between Voltaire and Conille, warning that the discord threatened the spirit of the transitional agreement signed earlier this year.

In a recent broadcast, Voltaire reviewed Haiti’s progress during the transition period, discussing key issues like security, judicial reform, public finance management, and constitutional reform preparations. Tensions reportedly escalated following Conille’s resistance to a requested cabinet reshuffle that sought to replace several ministers.

The TPC’s latest decision underscores ongoing challenges in Haiti’s transitional process, as CARICOM, through its Eminent Persons Group chaired by former St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, continues its engagement to support Haitian-led governance and preparations for free elections.