Within the framework of the 22nd summit of the CARICOM held in Grenada on 25 and 26 February, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, and Heads of Government from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) yesterday concluded extensive consultations on developments in Haiti, specifically the ongoing electoral process and the work of the Joint OAS-CARICOM Electoral Observation Mission (JEOM).

During their discussions, Secretary General Insulza underscored the importance of having a good second round of elections to ensure the legitimacy of the next government in Haiti, which, he noted, would be an important requirement for the continued reconstruction efforts in that country.

Insulza has acknowledged the challenges of organizing the first round of elections in Haiti just 10 months after the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake, and praised the Haitian authorities for making the decision to proceed with the elections, notwithstanding the numerous challenges. Insulza assured CARICOM Heads of Government that the OAS would continue to support efforts to strengthen the democratic process in that OAS-founding Member State.

In commenting on the work of the JEOM, the OAS Secretary General said, "This Joint Observation Mission is very unique and is the first of its kind ever undertaken by the OAS. CARICOM and the OAS have enjoyed the highest level of cooperation in this mission."

The CARICOM Heads of Government and the OAS Secretary General also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Haiti's reconstruction efforts and look forward to a peaceful, fair and transparent second round of voting on March 20.

HL/ HaitiLibre