OAS members recommit to helping Haiti through gang violence

The Organisation of American States (OAS) on Friday passed a resolution to support Haiti on its path to long-delayed elections and help the Caribbean country manage widespread gang violence that is driving a humanitarian crisis.

The resolution proposed creating a working group of member states no later than Feb 22 to address issues such as gun trafficking and a proposed multinational force to help Police restore order, which Haiti's caretaker Government requested five months ago.

Talks on such a force have lagged as no country has offered to lead it, though some Caribbean states said they would participate and Canada sent a surveillance military aircraft.

US Ambassador to the OAS Francisco Mora said Washington was still discussing possible involvement and signalled fresh

Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, heading a session at the OAS 52nd General Assembly, in Lima, Peru October 7, 2022 sanctions and visa restrictions in the "coming months."

Many have been wary of sending troops citing past foreign missions that committed abuses in Haiti and are reluctant to back Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose Government has been without elected representatives since early

January.

Henry has pledged to leave office by Feb 7, 2024, after repeatedly postponing elections due to a devastating 2021 earthquake as well as the gang violence.

The Haitian leader has stressed that Haiti needs security to establish free and transparent elections. The head of the

Washington-based OAS, Luis Almagro, has agreed and said locals would have to drive a precise roadmap.

Hailing the resolution as a first step, some diplomats have described Haiti as "on fire," noting that armed gangs have reportedly taken control of some 60% of the capital.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

“We can confirm that there was a medical incident involving an attorney in court today,” the Judiciary said.

Byam was before Court of Appeal judges Allan Mendonca, Prakash Moosai and Gillian Lucky, shortly before 11:00 am (local time) when he collapsed and had to be assisted by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes who helped lower him to the floor where attempts were made unsuccessfully to resuscitate him.

Former Attorney General, Faris AlRawi, speaking in the Parliament, confirmed

“Mr Neil Byam collapsed and passed away literally in the Court of Appeal today and permit me Madam Speaker having worked with Mr Byam for many years in my capacity as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and years prior to offer deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

“Surely today, he did not wake up with the intention of departing from us that soon. May the Lord, God rest his soul in eternal peace and may the Lord have mercy on him. Dear Lord we pray for that,” Al Rawi added.

Byam retired from public service on July 2, 2021.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)