Above: Haitian President Michel Martelly shakes hands with St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haitians who hold a US or Schengen visa could travel freely to CARICOM member countries under a plan by Haitian President Michel Martelly.

That was one of the issues discussed at Monday’s meeting with a CARCOM Bureau of Heads of Government delegation including St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, Suriname President Desi Bouterse and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas.

The two sides additionally discussed areas of cooperation including agriculture, health, aviation, security and job creation.

Martelly also announced the update of a protocol signed in the past, including an agriculture agreement aimed at making Haiti an exporter of agricultural products.

Suriname’s Bouterse said CARICOM would do what was necessary to help Haiti, calling it a “very important” member of the Caribbean Community.

Martelly has made clear that his interest in Haitians enjoying the same privileges as other CARICOM member states, and the visa plan could be the first step in that process.