Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the National Palace, during the installation ceremony of Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier as the new Commander of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD'H), Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille declared in his speech :

Speech by Prime Minister Garry Conille :

"[...] On this solemn day, we gather here, on this soil steeped in history, for an event that is of capital importance for the future of our Nation. The assumption of command of the Armed Forces of Haiti by Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier marks not only a decisive turning point, but also an act of faith in our collective ability to restore the greatness and sovereignty of our country. Thank you to General Lessage for his loyal service to the homeland.

Mr. Lieutenant General, by accepting this command, you take on your shoulders the weight of history and the hope of an entire people. Your mission, oh so noble and arduous, is to lead our armed forces with the rigor, integrity and wisdom that have always characterized great leaders. In these troubled times, when our Homeland is facing unprecedented perils, your role will be crucial to protect the nation, restore order and guarantee our independence.

The history of our Armed Forces is not that of a simple military institution, but that of a national epic, forged in blood, sacrifice and determination. Under the flags of Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, our ancestors rose up to break the chains of oppression and found a free and sovereign Nation. This army, direct heir to these heroes, embodies the very spirit of our independence, the living flame of our will for freedom.

Today, as you take command of this historic institution, you follow in the footsteps of these giants, these titanic figures who gave their lives so that we could live free. It is up to you now, Lieutenant General, to continue this legacy, to hold high the torch of freedom, and to restore the people's confidence in their Armed Forces.

Your mission is clear and imperative : to restore discipline, to strengthen the operational capacity of our units, and to make each soldier a model of professionalism and dedication to the Republic.

But let's never forget that in a democracy, the strength of the army must always be subordinate to the strength of the Law. The army of a free Nation is a bulwark against chaos, but it must always remain at the service of the law and the will of the people. It is by respecting this primacy of law that the army becomes the guardian of freedom and not its gravedigger. Your duty, Lieutenant General, will therefore be to ensure that the Armed Forces of Haiti reflect our democratic values, and that they act in close collaboration with the civil authorities for the good of our Homeland.

Faced with the colossal challenges that await us, including the fight against the forces of evil that sow terror and violence, it is imperative that our Armed Forces join forces with the Haitian National Police. This synergy, this work in perfect harmony, is the key to our success against the threats weighing on our territory. Together, and only together, will we be able to bring peace, restore order, and offer our people the security they deserve.

To make this mission possible, the Government is committed to taking concrete measures to support and strengthen the Armed Forces of Haiti during this period of crisis:

1. The Government will allocate additional funds to modernize the equipment of the Armed Forces, in particular surveillance and communication technologies. We must equip our soldiers with the most efficient tools so that they can carry out their mission effectively.

2. I count on you to put in place an intensive training program, not only for new recruits, but also for current officers. This training will emphasize modern military tactics, crisis management, and respect for human rights. Our forces must be ready to respond to all situations with skill and discernment.

3. We are already strengthening our partnerships with allied nations to benefit from international expertise in security and defense. Joint training missions and exchanges of best practices will be organized to raise the operational level of our Armed Forces.

4. I count on you to ensure that the well-being of soldiers is a priority. In the coming months, we will improve military infrastructure, housing, and health care for our soldiers and their families. A soldier who knows that his family is safe and well cared for is a soldier more determined and focused.

5. Finally, we will establish collaboration programs between the army and local communities. These initiatives aim to strengthen mutual trust, develop reconstruction and local development projects and show that the army is there to protect and serve the people.

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear compatriots,

The future of the Nation rests on our ability to guarantee security and stability. On this historic day, I reiterate my government's total commitment to supporting our Armed Forces and strengthening their cooperation with the National Police. It is our duty, our sacred responsibility, to build a country where every citizen can live in peace, where our children can grow up without fear, and where the sovereignty of our nation is respected and preserved.

Lieutenant General Guerrier, at this solemn moment, I extend to you my warmest congratulations. I am convinced that under your leadership, the Armed Forces of Haiti will regain their former glory and their rightful place at the heart of our society and in the defense of our Republic.

May God guide you in this mission of the utmost importance, and may Haiti live, eternally free, sovereign and in Peace!

I thank you. »

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43032-haiti-politic-new-commander-of-the-fad-h-speech-by-president-edgard-leblanc-fils.html

HL/ HaitiLibre