Following the "recall" of Bocchit Edmond the Ambassador of Haiti in Washington D.C. and in the absence of explanations from the Haitian Chancellery, speculation that this "recall" is linked to a affair of corruption are rife. Faced with all this noise, Ambassador Bocchit Edmond takes stock in a note of these allegations, which he describes as wacky.

Note from Ambassador Edmond:

"Outlandish allegations purport to implicate me in acts that are dishonest and detrimental to the interests of the State. I disagree with this cabal orchestrated by the hands of a master who only aims to tarnish my 32 years of public service in the diplomacy of my country.

While waiting for the competent authorities to finally inform the general public of the conclusions of the interministerial commission which investigated the matter from April 18 to 21, 2023, I would like to point out that I am not responsible for any harmful act, even for corruption, as my country's Ambassador in Washington.

Also, I would formally request that an audit be carried out at the Embassy. Is it enough at this point to recall that the basis of this cabal is the undeniable fact that US Customs, in June 2021, had seized packages containing $50,000 from Chile and sent by courier at the personal residence of Gélorme Juste, cousin of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, Claude Joseph, who had appointed him responsible for the consular section of the Embassy. It is common knowledge that I had no control over Gélorme Juste, who dealt directly with his Minister cousin.

For my part, I affirm to have nothing to do, neither directly nor remotely, with this affair, which had only been brought to my attention through the diplomatic channel of the United States Department of State in August 2021. I immediately informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for appropriate follow-up.

Also, the Interministerial Commission could find no evidence corroborating the allegations of the report produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by former Minister Claude Joseph.

The duty of discretion to which I am bound as a senior civil servant, enjoins me not to say more on this subject, at this stage, except to defend my honor and my acute sense of civic duty and patriotic commitment for 32 years of public service, often under extremely difficult conditions.

Ambassador Bocchit Edmond"

Last minute : Jean Victor Généus, Minister of Foreign Affairs confirms that Ambassador Edmond has been officially revoked and that the United States, country of accreditation has been notified. Former Ambassador Edmond is under investigation.

To be continued...

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39455-haiti-flash-the-ambassador-of-haiti-in-washington-bocchit-edmond-recalled-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36150-haiti-justice-the-embassy-of-haiti-in-washington-targets-allegations-of-embezzlement.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35565-haiti-flash-youri-latortue-accuses-the-embassy-of-haiti-in-washington-of-embezzlement.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32310-haiti-diplomacy-appointment-of-12-new-ambassadors.html

HL/HaitiLibre