President Michel Martelly ended his participation at the CARICOM Summit in St Lucia discussing economic and legal strides in Haiti and the country's desire to become an equal partner with other Caribbean nations. In his interview with the President of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, President Martelly highlighted the creation of the High Judicial Council (CSPJ), the appointment of members of the Court of Cassation and fluency dialogue among all sectors of national life.

President Martelly then had a working session in private with his counterparts around the Caribbean economic and legal concerns in the region. A Memorandum was signed between CARICOM and Haiti for institutional construction, and investment facilitation. At this working session, the Head of State also presented his strategic objectives: the continuation of actions to improve the image of Haiti internationally and regionally through reconstruction, the continuous improvement of legal security and creating conditions for sustainable, socioeconomic development of the country.

Haiti is participating in discussions and supports the institutional review report on the CARICOM Secretariat, but noted interests for Haitian professionals and skilled workers to labour within this regional organisation. Haiti's position is clear: to present the new climate of legal stability prevailing today, which puts the country in a better position to deal on equal terms with its partners, to take and implement international and regional commitments especially all those made by CARICOM.

Besides the adoption of French as the official language, alongside with English, the integration of Haitian professionals at the CARICOM Secretariat, the Head of State of Haiti pleaded to follow the model already begun by the Dominican Republic with the appointment of Mr. Ivan Ogando as Director General of CARIFORUM. The President of the Republic of Haiti travelled from St. Lucia to Panama where he received the “Grand Cross of the Order Gil Colunje” by the dean and faithful support of the OHADAC, Dr. Gilberto Boutin, of the University of Panama.

This award demonstrates the commitment of the Head of State in the implementation of modern and effective Rule of Law in Haiti. The President took the opportunity to discuss possibilities of cooperation between regional law schools.

For more information, please contact: Jean REALE, jean.reale@acplegal.net