Haiti’s Martelly Asks Investors to Remain Calm After Resignation of Prime Minister

Above: Haitian President Michel Martelly (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haitian President Michel Martelly addressed the nation Friday night following the resignation of Prime Minister Garry Conille this morning, calling for both foreign and domestic investors to remain calm.

“This morning, Prime Minister Garry Conille presented his letter of resignation to me,” Martelly said in his address. “I accepted it. I take this opportunity to thank him for his commitment.”

Conille, a former aide to Bill Clinton in the latter’s capacity as UN envoy to Haiti, had served as Prime Minister since being confirmed in October.

Martelly said that he had already contacted the speakers of both houses of Parliament, who had also received a copy of Conille’s letter.

The President, who nominated Martelly after two previous picks for the position, Daniel Rouzier and Bernard Gousse, were rejected by Parliament, said he was committed to harmonizing efforts for a “quick exit” from the situation and to proposing a new Prime Minister.

He said the Executive and the Parliament were working together to strengthen their relationship to develop a rapid solution.

“I made you promises,” he told the Haitian people in his address. “And I respect them.”