Legislators lead delegation for increased US support for Haiti
TWO NEW York City legislators have called on the United States to increase its intervention and support for Haiti, where criminal gangs are seeking to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry.
New York City Council Members Farah Louis and Mercedes Narcisse were part of a delegation of other prominent Haitian-American leaders and faith-based leaders that travelled to Washington seeking support to end the political and socio-economic situation in the French-speaking CARICOM country.
They later told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the delegation, which included North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin and members of the Miami City Council, engaged in “crucial discussions” with key political figures, including US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, US Senator Raphael Warnock, Congressional Representatives Gregory Meeks and Yvette D. Clarke, and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Louis and Narcisse said they urged for measures to combat gun trafficking and bolster humanitarian aid efforts and initiatives for peace in Haiti, among other things.
“As someone who grew up in the country, I can testify to all the beautiful resources it has to offer,” said Haitian-born Narcisse, who represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, New York.
“Its natural beauty is unparalleled. However, its greatest resource is its people. They are vibrant, resilient, and kind, even during the darkest of moments. The Haitian people deserve far better than the severe challenges they are currently facing.
“Therefore, as a proud immigrant from Haiti, it was deeply personal to advocate for US assistance i n providing humanitarian aid to our nation. As a close neighbour in the Caribbean, the stability and well-being of Haiti directly impact regional security and the stability of the US.”
Narcisse said she hopes the US will immediately unite with the international community to offer well-intentioned support and much-needed resources to help address the deeply rooted causes of this crisis and pave the way for a more promising future for the Haitian people.
Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, said the efforts of the delegation underscore the urgency of the crisis in Haiti and the need for swift and decisive action from the United States government.
“New York City is home to one of the largest Haitian communities outside of Haiti, so the crisis hits close to home for constituents in Central and Southern Brooklyn impacted by the strife abroad, creating humanitarian and logistical challenges for all New Yorkers in my community,” said Louis, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn.
She said Haiti, the world’s first free black republic, was the home of enslaved black people who became revolutionaries, sparking global black liberation and war against colonial rule worldwide.