CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has praised the late former President of Haiti Mr. Rene Preval for his critical role in promoting stability, development, democracy and the rule of law in his country following trying periods of political turbulence and natural and man-made disasters.

In his message of condolence to Mr. Preval’s family and the Government and people of Haiti, Ambassador LaRocque also noted that Mr. Preval’s was conscious  of the importance of integrating Haiti more deeply into the Caribbean family, and this led to him meet with CARICOM Heads of Government and initiate the process for Haiti’s membership of CARICOM.

Mr. Preval, who was President of Haiti between 1996-2001 and again from 2006-2011, died at his home in the Haitian capital, Port au Prince, on Friday 3 March, at age 74. 

The Secretary-General said Mr. Preval will be remembered by all who knew him and those who worked closely with him as a fair and kind man who respected the law and understood the importance of democracy to a stable and advanced Haitian society.

The full message:

“On behalf of the Caribbean Community, I express sincere condolences to the family, Government and People of Haiti on the passing of His Excellency Mr. René Préval, former President of the Republic of Haiti.

An astute and consummate politician, President Préval had a long record of public service as Minister, Prime Minister, two-term President and political party leader.  His skill was amply demonstrated by the fact that he is the only Haitian President to serve fully his elected term of office on both occasions.

This “quiet, unpretentious” Caribbean statesman and Haitian patriot never lost his common touch as he pursued the overall development of his country and his interest in the rural areas.  As President, he played a critical role in promoting stability, development, democracy and the rule of law following trying periods of political turbulence and the upheavals of natural and man-made disasters.  Conscious of the importance of integrating Haiti more deeply into the Caribbean family, in his first term he met with CARICOM Heads of Government and initiated the process which led Haiti along the path to membership of the Caribbean Community.

President Préval shall be remembered by all who knew him and those who worked closely with him as a fair and kind man, who respected the rule of law and understood the importance of executing the highest standard of democracy for the benefit of securing a stable and advanced Haitian society.

43/2017