Above: the ceremony in Port-au-Prince (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti President Michel Martelly has awarded outgoing United States Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten with the National Order of Honour and Merit.

The award, with the grade of Grand Cross, was given to the diplomat at a ceremony this week in Port-au-Prince’s National Palace.

Martelly and Merten were joined there by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, members of the Haitian government, Apostolic Nuncio in Haiti Archbishop Bernardito Auza and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

“The presidency thanks you on behalf of the Haitian people for all the work you have done for Haiti,” Martelly said. “You have demonstrated your ability as a diplomat par excellence.”

Merten will be continuing his diplomatic work as the United States’ new Ambassador to Croatia.

“We know you will be back in Haiti,” Martelly said. “When you return, we will welcome you with all the hospitality that we reserve for our best friends.”

Merten has served in Haiti since August 2009. The National Palace said the award was a result of Merten’s work in contributing to democracy and institution-building in Haiti.