Roseau, Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Dominica, urges China to support Haiti as the country is going through a severe crisis. With a population of 12 million individuals, Haiti is suffering from high levels of acute hunger fueled by lack of rainfall, extreme inflation and gang violence.
On Friday, July 7, 2023, Minister Skerrit addressed the 8th round of Consultations between the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Caribbean countries.
During the address, PM Skerrit said, “Haiti is suffering from security and humanitarian catastrophe that needs the attention and support of all countries. That’s why we request China’s full cooperation at the Security Council”.
Following the recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad, the leaders agreed to request support from International partners to help Haiti strengthen its security and put an end to the misery they suffered for a long time.
They also highlighted the importance of providing immediate humanitarian assistance and security stabilization under the mandate of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution.
During the address, PM Roosevelt Skerrit appreciated Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, for maintaining a longstanding and fruitful relationship with Dominica and thanked China for the support they delivered to Caribbean states in the field of building infrastructure, security assistance, trade and COVID-19 aid.
He said, “I am speaking on behalf of my fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters. I believe that when our ties with your country continue to grow in the most obvious manner”.
PM Skerrit thanked China for their continued support to Caribbean states in their fight against climate change and build resilience, specifically through post-disaster relief and recovery assistance, as well as funding for constructing and rebuilding crucial infrastructure after disasters.
She added that China and the Caribbean continue to engage in cultural and educational exchanges, with up to 700 Caribbean students currently studying in China. “We see great increases in people to people exchanges, we stood with each other in solidarity during the pandemic, and we have provided each other with vaccines and medical supplies”.