CARICOM has congratulated the Government and People of Haiti as they celebrate the country’s two hundred and twelfth independence anniversary on 1 January 2016.

The CARICOM Secretary-General  Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in his congratulatory message to Haiti’s  President, His  Excellency Michel Martelly, paid tribute  to “the solidarity, strength and unity of the Haitian people”, which he said “continued to inspire the Community”.

 “We are all aware of the significance of Haiti’s independence 212 years ago and its effect on shaping our modern world, it is in how the Haitian people continue to persevere in the face of adversity that we are most encouraged... Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to CARICOM”, he also said.

Noting that he expected Haitians at home and abroad  will celebrate the occasion  with the usual culturally rich environment for which it is known;  he indicated that  that he could speak from first hand knowledge of  that  rich and diverse culture, having experienced and enjoyed a very successful CARIFESTA XII, last August.

In reiterating the Caribbean Community’s support, the Secretary-General extended his best wishes for the continued advancement of Haiti and for the well-being of its people.

See full text of message:

Begins:

                "Excellency

 

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend warmest congratulations to the People and Government of the Republic of Haiti as you celebrate 212 years of Independence.

 

I have every expectation that Haitians at home and abroad will celebrate the occasion in the usual culturally rich environment for which it is renowned.  Of course, having experienced and enjoyed a very successful CARIFESTA XII in Haiti last August, I can now most certainly speak from first-hand knowledge of your rich and diverse culture.

 

Excellency, the solidarity, strength and unity of the Haitian people continue to inspire us.  While we are all aware of the significance of Haiti’s independence 212 years ago and its effect on shaping our modern world, it is in how the Haitian people continue to persevere in the face of adversity that we are most encouraged.  Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to CARICOM, and I look forward to Haiti becoming fully integrated into every aspect of the Community.

 

Excellency, in extending best wishes for the continued advancement of Haiti and for the well-being of its People I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate to you the continued support of the Caribbean Community.”