News

Haiti “Vehemently Protests” New US, Canada Travel Warnings

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - January 2, 2013 - 3:24 pm

Above: Haiti

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti’s government said it “vehemently protests” the recent decision by the United States State Department to issue a new travel warning for the country, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe’s office announced in a statement Wednesday.

Haiti said it wanted to “reassure” the Haitian diaspora and foreign travelers that they can do so “peacefully,” pointing to efforts the government said it had taken to strengthen security institutions.

The government said its development plan for 2012 to 2016 would increase the number of Haitian National Police officers by more than 50 percent and other measures aimed at strengthening police institutions.

According to the statement, such projects challenged the “travel warnings” recently published by the US and by Canada, who, Haiti said, were the largest funders of the police force in Haiti.

The US travel warning had cited warnings of kidnappings in the country, including several of US citizens.

In response, Haiti’s government asked “who from the national or international community did not applaud the dismantling of a large kidnapping network led by a powerful Haitian businessman as the beginning of the end of this practice in the national territory?”

That statement appeared to refer prominent businessman Clifford Brandt, who was arrested (and later confessed) to kidnapping charges in the autumn of 2012.

The US also mentioned the continued incidence of cholera in the country, something Haiti’s government said had seen a “marked regression of the disease.”

That has been the case, although a pair of recent hurricanes in the country led to a resurgence of the disease, according to international organizations like the UN.

“As paradoxical as it may seem it is clear that these warnings are incompatible with progress made in the field and are definitely harmful to the image of the country at a time when the Martelly/Lamothe Administration combines every effort to place Haiti on the international map,” the statement read.

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


This Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Is Coming to Barbados —  And You Can Book It With Points

new brand for the caribbean

Barbados has long been a haven for adults in search of refinement — the kind of place where luxury and culture blend in quiet, confident harmony. Now, that ethos is becoming the foundation of a new resort concept that aims […]


Related Posts all-inclusive dominican republic puerto plata

More Flights from Canada to the Dominican Republic 

The Dominican Republic has approved a new route from Canada to the popular tourism destination of Puerto Plata.  The country’s Civil Aviation Board has given the nod to a new Sunwing flight that will operate from now through Oct. 18, […]


Marriott Names New Area GM for Haiti, Dominican Republic 

all-inclusive dominican republic adults-only

Marriott International has named a new area general manager for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  The company has tapped Brock Hochhalter to the role, in which he will be responsible for the premium and luxury Marriott hotels in the two […]


Antigua and Barbuda Makes Big Tourism Push in Canada

antigua tamarind

Antigua and Barbuda is redoubling its efforts to court travelers from Canada.  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority led a major tourism push in Canada this week, with a delegation led by ABTA Chief Executive Officer Colin C. James and […]