(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) No Recovery of Haiti after a disaster of such incalculable magnitude, can take place without regard to the prevailing political and social environment. The process of Rebuilding has to commence with respect for its Laws and Constitution and proceed in the clear acceptance that existing institutions will have to be strengthened. In several areas, new Institutions will have to be spawned by special legislation and quickly bolstered by systems that work effectively as well as with more professional expertise. Haiti must be spared from an escalation of political tension which could trigger violent protests or confrontation on the streets.

It is therefore the more regrettable that Haiti is already exposed to the danger of increasing turbulence in the course of political transition. This has been further aggravated by the sudden return of a cruel and corrupt Dictator, Jean Claude Duvalier, to the Haitian soil, who should be confronted by the full force of the law and thereby enable the ends of justice to be duly served.

The outcome of the Presidential and Congressional Elections on November 28, 2010, has not yet been finally determined. Even as we gather here today, in the face of great uncertainty, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is engaged in its own examination of the preliminary results through the dispute phase. This involves a thorough consideration of the complaints already made by Candidates, as well as the impact of irregularities and fraud which would affect the order in which the contestants finished from the electoral contests of November.

The CEP has already stated publicly its intention to take into consideration the major recommendation of the OAS as to the placing of Celestin and Martelly. Until the verdict is delivered by the CEP, I hope all interested parties, in Haiti, the Diaspora, Organisation of American States (OAS) and the International Community, would take no premeditated position or engage in a rigid posture that may appear to exert undue pressure on those vested with the competence and authority to decide.

This is no time for unilateral action or a preemptive strike by those who are admittedly sincere and eager to see Haiti succeed. Their continuing generous levels of support are both essential and urgently needed for the exercise of a total rebuilding of the impoverished Nation.

Let us all await the ruling but be prepared immediately thereafter to chart the next step in the electoral cycle and to become fully engaged in strengthening the democratic process of CARICOM’s largest Member State.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org