HAITI’S first plenipotentiary representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Peterson Benjamin Noel, has presented his credentials to Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

And LaRoque noted that Haiti is now carried over a “new threshold” in its relations with the CARICOM.
He said, “I regard the presentation of your credentials today as a re-affirmation of the strong role that Haiti plays and will continue to play in our Community.
“…I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Community, to once more express appreciation to these countries for their support in helping CARICOM to build Haiti’s capacity to fully benefit from their membership in the Community.”
The Secretary General stressed that CARICOM will continue to work with Haiti to ensure that the country fully integrates into the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

OPPORTUNITY
According to him, the Community welcomes what Haiti brings to CARICOM.
He referenced comments made by the nation’s President Michel Martelly, who outlined Haiti as a “market of nearly ten million people, unsuspected natural assets and a rich cultural heritage”.
“Haiti undoubtedly enriches the cultural diversity of the Community. President Martelly rightly described Haiti as an opportunity, one yet to be fully discovered by our people,” LaRocque said.
He added that the first time Haiti assumed the Chairmanship of the Community was a period where the Community benefitted from the “able leadership” of President Martelly.
Ambassador Noel stressed the importance the Government of Haiti assigns its participation with CARICOM and made it clear that the country is committed to improving its participation.
He said, “I want to emphasise the importance that the Government of Haiti bestows on its participation in the regional integration movement.”
According to him, Haiti should be seen and treated as an opportunity.
“Despite its difficulties, it represents a good opportunity for the region, an opportunity for each CARICOM country”.
“We represent a market of nearly ten million inhabitants; we have unexploited natural assets, and process a rich cultural heritage that can provide a meaningful contribution to the wealth of our economies,” Noel said, echoing the sentiments expressed by President Martelly.
He made it clear that a Haitian economy that works will best serve the interests of CARICOM and will help expand the regional market and opportunities

(By Vanessa Narine)