THE recent accreditation of Haiti’s plenipotentiary representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Peterson Benjamin Noel brings with it the promise of increased action in the areas of trade, investment and working relations with countries in the Region.Guyana is not the least in Haiti’s revamped efforts to engage Member States, the envoy assured, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
He noted that greater collaborations will be advanced, this year, with the aid of a trade mission to Haiti.
“We are working on this through the CARICOM Secretariat, so we can have the trade mission of local stakeholders to Haiti before the end of the year.
“Currently we are working with both the Government and the Private Sector to ensure that this undertaking is a success,” Noel said.
He pointed out that Guyana is already home to Haitian investors, particularly in the rice sector.
In 2006, Haitian national Saj-Steven Angele Jeff Khauly began operating the SajRice Mill in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), under a 10-year lease, an undertaking that facilitated trade to his country.
Its interest
Earlier this year, the factory was upgraded with new equipment and generator system, among others and the company has indicated its interest in extending its lease to 20 years.
Subject Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, had previously said the Haitian market is an opportunity for Guyana to expand its shares, in terms of rice export.
Noel added that since, the devastation by the 2010 earthquake that levelled the Haitian Capital, Port-au-Prince, rebuilding has been advanced simultaneously with a developmental paradigm shift.
“Haitian people, hand in hand, are working very hard to rebuild the country stronger than ever.
“The economy is growing at a positive rate; the business climate has improved as well as the security environment.
“Haiti is back on track. Haiti is open for business,” he declared, adding to President Michel Martelly’s boast that the country is a haven of opportunities.
The Haitian Head of State, during CARICOM’s 24th inter-sessional meeting, said: “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.”
Noel said Haiti boasts unexploited natural assets and processes a rich cultural heritage, both of which can provide a meaningful contribution to the wealth of our economies.