Monday at the National Police School, President Jovenel Moïse, accompanied by Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, participated in the graduation ceremony of the 28th promotion of the National Police of Haiti.

In the presence of the presidents of the two chambers, Senator Youri Latortue and Deputy Cholzer Chancy, Heidi Fortuné, Minister of Justice and Public Security, Michel-Ange Gédéon Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) and several representatives of the senior staff of the PNH and members of the diplomatic corps, the Head of State above all, wished to present his sympathies to the families of the police officers who were victims during the year 2017 in the performance of their duties while pointing out the importance of the role of the PNH in the development project of the country and renewed the commitment of his administration to create favorable conditions to allow the police to fulfill their mission effectively.

President Jovenel Moïse in his speech urged the 1,022 new police officers including the 125 women who make up this 28th Promotion to make the law their only compass and to act with professionalism.

"To you police police officers from this 28th promotion of the National Police, I came to say that by integrating the PNH, you chose the most beautiful job that is to protect and serve. A job certainly demanding and difficult but oh so exhilarating.

In the name of the Nation, I say thank you. By opting for police science training, you have chosen to act as guardians of the law and become vigilant players in the safety of our fellow citizens."

Prime Minister Lafontant encouraged police officers "Police officers of the 28th, You have made the choice to be men of duty and justice in choosing to protect and serve the Haitian nation. Remain worthy of the arms you guard in the name of the general interest. I wish you courage !

For his part, Michel-Ange Gédéon speaking to the new police officers said them Do not delude yourself. You did not choose an easy job. You have not chosen a job that makes you rich, you have not chosen a job that will make you super leaders. Nobody is above the law. Above all, you must always act according to the law and regulations of the police institution, because the defeats of the law do not last long while the life of the disorder and anarchy should be very limited. Starting today, you have your destiny in hand. Being a police officer is a whole priesthood. It requires a lot of devotion for its community, dedication and a sense of sacrifice for its country.

The work of the police faces major challenges that raise various concerns. Today, being a good officer does not just mean putting his hand to the necks of bandits, it also means neutralizing these thugs, but respecting their rights. ou must know that all citizens have rights regardless of the classification of the offense committed. This is one of the reasons you received training on the law and the use of force. In other words, even if you are attacked, you must be aware of the proportion of forces involved and quickly assess the threats to react sensitively and professionally. In the same way, 'nou pa pitimi san gadò', you have rights too. And I will know how to enforce them.

[...]

You will be agents of the order and guarantors of freedom. According to Eugène Marbeau, 'freedom is respect for everyone's rights, order is respect for the rights of all. You are therefore bound to everyone for the guarantee of rights.'

Always be firm and vigilant but always respect the rights of the human person. This is among other things what will differentiate you from any armed band. A weapon will be given to you after swearing, know that it is not a toy that is displayed to impress or ransom, it is rather a useful tool that can only serve to protect your person and that of the honest citizens weakened by bandits of all kinds [...]"

HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre