As part of the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), which took place Friday at the Police Academy in Frères https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-14191-haiti-security-the-national-police-celebrates-its-20-years.html , Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, issued the following statement :

Statement by the Ambassador of Canada :

"Canada congratulates the Haitian National Police (PNH) on their 20th anniversary. We would especially like to highlight the great strides the PNH has made in recent years towards creating a professional police force that is largely respected and supported by the citizens it serves.

The PNH's contribution to the safety and security of Haitians is critical to their livelihoods and to the long-term development of their country.

Over the past two decades, Canadian police have witnessed and lived first-hand the risks and challenges that the PNH face in their day-to-day work. In addition to high rates of violent crime and widespread corruption, the PNH members have dealt with floods, riots, earthquakes and disease in trying to serve and protect their country. Despite these difficulties, the organization has improved and progressed.

Today, about 90 Canadian police officers are deployed as part of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (Minustah) and proudly continue to contribute to the professionalization of the PNH through this mission. Through the FIPCA-PNH project, Canada also continues to contribute to the initial training and professional development of PNH officers. Since classes began in 2013, 116 senior officers, commissioners, and inspectors, including 13 women, have benefited from the Initial Training and Professional Development for Executives of the Haitian National Police (FIPCA-PNH) project. 34 more will graduate by October this year.

The success in building the capacity of this force is a testament to the Haitian and international commitment to bringing stability, security, and long-term prosperity to the Haitian people. Today, Canada commends these efforts and joins together with Haiti and the international community to continue this important work in the months and years to come.

Once again, Canada congratulates the PNH on this important anniversary, and looks forward to our continued collaboration in building a brighter future for Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre