The Tribune Limited

Too early to declare trip a success

THE CARICOM trip to Haiti has been declared a success.

Well, that’s fine then, we can stop worrying about Haiti now, can we? Everything’s resolved in that one trip?

The trouble with that declaration, given by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday, is that it essentially means nothing. No definition of what that success means was given, we are simply told it was a success. Everybody pat yourselves on the back, and job well done.

From Mr Davis’ words, it seemed the delegation met and talked to a number of people – over 70 – to get their perspectives on the situation.

He said those involved “don’t think it’s an overnight fix” – which is fortunate, because the party didn’t even stay overnight.

There was also something of a contrast between the comments and the reality of the situation.

Mr Davis talked of an observation by Immigration Minister Keith Bell of how in Haiti “they’re a lot more respectful of the police passing and pulling on the side than we are here in New Providence” – an observation about respect that does not sit well with the fact that scores of police officers have been killed since Prime Minister Ariel Henry came to power in 2021.

A total of 15 police officers were killed in 15 days alone in January.

So yes, perhaps people pulled aside to get out of the way of the high-powered delegation guarded by high security, but that is no more reflective of the reality of the day-to-day situation than the world around Royal visitors always smelling of fresh paint.

No actual details of what has been learned from the visit have been shared –nor have the consequences for nations