(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government, the Honourable Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada, has commended the calm dignity and maturity displayed by the Haitian people during the second round of elections and following the publication of preliminary results of the poll.

“This is also a demonstration of democracy at work for which the Haitian people, their political leaders and the Government must be commended,” Prime Minister Thomas said in a message of congratulations to the Haitian authorities and the people of Haiti.

The full text of the message reads:

"On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) I extend congratulations to the Haitian authorities and the People of the Republic of Haiti for the success of the second round of the presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday, March 20 2011. The Community has taken keen note that the Joint CARICOM-OAS Observer Mission has endorsed the preliminary results of the poll.

The calm dignity and maturity displayed by the Haitian people during the second round of the elections and following the publication of the preliminary results of the poll, is indicative of their will to peacefully and constructively chart the future of their nation. This is also a demonstration of democracy at work for which the Haitian people, their political leaders and the Government must be commended. I wish to also congratulate the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), and other relevant Haitian institutions, and regional and international observers, for their contribution to the proper conduct of the poll including the tabulation and publication of preliminary results.

Haiti’s elections are a key component of the country’s democratic process, critical to ensuring the legitimacy and the effectiveness of its political system in meeting the expectations of the Haitian people, particularly as the country continues its efforts at reconstruction and development.

The Caribbean Community reiterates its commitment to supporting the Government and People of Haiti in this regard and looks forward to the continued active participation of Haiti in the activities of the Community."

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org