The ongoing instability that exists in Haiti and the prolonged war in Ukraine were
to major issues of conflict that received the attention of members of the Cabinet on
Wednesday.
The weekly Cabinet meeting started with a discussion on Haiti where Prime
Minister Dr. Ariel Henry has agreed to step down in an arrangement negotiated by
CARICOM Heads of Government. “The Prime Minister indicated that Antigua and
Barbuda’s position on Haiti is quite clear. It was communicated at the last meeting
of the Heads of Government, during the first days of March 2024, in Guyana. At
that meeting, he made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda would wish to see Prime
Minister Henry of Haiti resign,” the Cabinet Notes detailed.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated that until Dr. Henry goes, the impact on
negotiating a settlement, is not possible. When the CARICOM met again in
Jamaica on Monday and Tuesday, Prime Minister Henry announced that he would
resign upon the formation of a National Council.
PM Browne explained to Cabinet that it is not a requirement for every Prime
Minister to be always present at these meetings. He also noted that being back in
Antigua after a weeklong absence is a virtual requirement, providing his views are
known and communicated.
The CARICOM leaders were scheduled to meet by Skype Wednesday night to
continue discussions on Haiti.
Meanwhile, the subject of the two-year old war between Russia and its neighbour,
Ukraine, also came up for discussion. Prime Minister Browne once again reiterated
his previous call, made a week ago, for Ukraine to seek peace.
The prime minister’s position is similar to that expressed by the Catholic Pope
Francis who has since called for Ukraine “to raise the white flag” and to seek to
make peace with Russia although that larger state is the aggressor.
It was also noted that Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, one year
before his death, also proposed that Ukraine seek out peace with Russia in a war
that Ukraine cannot win, and to end the human suffering.
The Prime Minister’s view is therefore consistent with those dispassionate thought-
provoking leaders in the world, both of whom deemed war to be destructive and
ultimately harmful to civilians and soldiers.
