News

Haiti’s Lamothe, in Chile, Urges Deeper Integration With Latin America

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - March 13, 2014

Above: Haiti Prime Minister (right) in Santiago (Photo: OPM Haiti)

By Alexander Britell

Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe visited Santiago, Chile, this week, attending the inauguration of President Michelle Bachelet and urging deeper ties with the Latin American region.

In a phone interview with Caribbean Journal, Lamothe said the relationship between Haiti and Latin America was at its “highest point” in years, pointing to ongoing projects in Haiti being led by countries across the continent.

A number of Latin American nations have deployed forces to the UN’s MINUSTAH peacekeepign force in Haiti, he said, and nations like Brazil in green energy and infrastructure. Others, like Ecuador, have been offering training in security and tourism, while Argentina has been working on developing Haiti’s agricultural sector.

Of course, Venezuela, which has become a significant patron to Haiti in recent years, is a “powerhouse in terms of development for Haiti,” Lamothe said, from a redeveloped airport in Cap-Haitien to housing development.

“The relationship [with Latin America] is at an all time high, and we want to keep it that way,” Lamothe said. “There’s a long history between Haiti and many countries in South America — whether it’s Colombia, whether it’s Venezuela, Panama … when [Simon] Bolivar came to Haiti with the dream of the liberation of the Americas, Alexandre Petion helped him with guns, with boats, with soldiers to go and to liberate Venezuela, and liberate several other countries in Latin America. So there is a long history between the two, and one they cherish a lot and so do we.”

Chile, which, like Haiti, was rocked by a major earthquake in 2010, has been offering its assistance to Haiti as the latter seeks to rebuild.

That help has manifested itself in several ways, including collaboration on models for construction codes and disaster management.

During a meeting with Chile’s leadership this week, Lamothe also discussed cooperation on early childhood development programmes and technical assistance in the mining sector, he said.

In Santiago, Lamothe also met US Vice President Joe Biden, similarly visiting Chile for the occasion, and invited him to visit Haiti.

Lamothe said Caribbean-Latin American of cooperation was simply a necessity, Lamothe told Caribbean Journal.

“I think we have no choice [but to integrate,” he said. “There’s only one way to move forward – the integration of the people of the Caribbean and the people of South America.”

Popular Posts w punta cana

A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]


Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

beach house silversands

From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]


5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

galley bay

Sometimes you just want that extra degree of serenity, of privacy, of seclusion. There is a reason, after all, that adults-only resorts are booming in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean: travelers want to know that when they arrive, they know […]


Related Posts caribbean rockefeller resort

This Former Caribbean Rockefeller Resort Is for Sale

In 1986, Laurance Rockefeller, the founder of Rock Resorts, developed 27 acres of prime beachfront land into what was for decades one of the sought after places to stay in the Caribbean. Now, the four-star, 150-room resort is for sale, […]


Vote for the 2024 Caribbean Green Awards, from Green Energy to Sustainable Hotels

caribbean green

Hotels serving organic food grown by local farmers. Airports powered by large solar fields. Pristine coastlines protected by marine parks. Real estate developments fueled by clean energy. It’s an exciting time for the Green movement in the Caribbean, a region […]


How to Fly Nonstop to Bonaire Right Now 

bonaire beach bars best

It’s easier than ever to fly to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire right now, thanks to expanded service from a number of major carriers.  United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and WestJet are all currently operating service to […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You