OAS Group Of Friends Of Haiti Satisfied With Haitian Debt Cancellation By World Bank, IMF, IDB

WASHINGTON – The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, expressed at a meeting of the OAS Group of Friends of Haiti his satisfaction with the cancellation by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) of almost two thirds of the debt of the Caribbean nation.

“The cancellation of the debt will certainly offer some relief to the Haitian budget,” said Mr. Ramdin, who presented a detailed report on the political, social, and economic situation endured by the Caribbean nation. The cancellation amounts to 1.2 billion dollars.

Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Duly Brutus, also highlighted the decision taken by the multilateral organizations and pointed out that this was “incredible news” for the country.

At the meeting, which took place at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Ramdin also emphasized the situation of “relative calm” in Haiti, subsequent to the recent legislative elections carried out by Haiti in April and June. However, he regretted the low turnout observed in the recent elections – 11, 3 per cent in the first round and 10, 8 per cent in the second round.

In his remarks, the Assistant Secretary General stressed the contributions by the international community – including those from the Inter-American System – in the mobilization of resources towards Haiti.

Besides thanking the OAS, the Group of Friends of Haiti, and the different international organizations for the support given to his country, Ambassador Brutus, recognized the complexities of the Haitian electoral process. “It is true that is complex. We have too many elections, which is why the legislative is currently working to modify these aspects with the appropriate constitutional amendments.”

“The turnout in these past elections was low because the Haitian population is not familiarized with this type of process, as it is with the ones to elect members of the parliament or city majors,” he added.

Ambassador Ramdin also referred to the recent social unrest, especially that related to the minimum salary wage, and requested attention from the international community to see how this and other topics further develop.

Likewise, Mr. Ramdin emphasized, in the presence of some OAS Member States representatives, permanent observers and international organizations, the importance of the implementation of the mandates included in the resolution recently adopted by the OAS 39th General Assembly in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, which seeks support for socio-economic development and sustainable political stability in Haiti.

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“I would like to highlight the mandates for the OAS included in this resolution, specifically those regarding the need for a study on the modalities for establishing a Hemisphere Development Fund for Haiti, and the continuous support to the Haitian Government in issues such as electoral processes and the establishment of a Permanent Electoral Council,” he explained.

During the meeting, several representatives from Member States and permanent observers reaffirmed their commitment to Haiti, while highlighting the key role the OAS should play in the review of the Haitian electoral system, as well as in the strengthening of the international cooperation.

The Group of Friends of Haiti works for the strengthening of democracy, and the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as for the social and economic development of the Caribbean nation.