Two lawmakers from New York City have demanded that the US step up its assistance and intervention in Haiti, where gangs are attempting to topple Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry’s administration.
Along with other well-known Haitian-American and religious leaders, New York City Council members Farah Louis and Mercedes Narcisse traveled to Washington to seek assistance in ending the political and socioeconomic conditions in the French-speaking CARICOM nation.
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A Caribbean news media outlet was later informed by the delegation—which included Miami City Council members and North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin—that they had “crucial discussions” with influential politicians – US Senate Majority Leader Charles 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.
Together with other matters, Louis and Narcisse stated that they pushed for actions to stop the trafficking of guns, support humanitarian relief efforts, and promote peace in Haiti.
Representative Narcisse, a native of Haiti, for the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, New York, remarked, “As someone who grew up in the country, I can testify to all the beautiful resources it has to offer.”
“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.”
She added, “Therefore, as a proud immigrant from Haiti, it was deeply personal to advocate for US assistance in providing humanitarian aid to our nation. As a close neighbor in the Caribbean, the stability and well-being of Haiti directly impact regional security and the stability of the US.”
According to Narcisse, she is hoping that the US would quickly join the rest of the world in offering well-meaning assistance and much-needed resources to help address the crisis’s underlying causes and open the door for a brighter future for the people of Haiti.
According to Louis, whose parents are immigrants from Haiti and the Bahamas, the delegation’s efforts highlight how urgent the situation in Haiti is and how quickly and forcefully the US government must respond.
“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,” remarked Louis.
She claimed that the first free black republic in history, Haiti, was the birthplace of black slaves who went on to become revolutionaries and lead the global black liberation movement and the fight against colonial domination.
“By working together, we can make meaningful progress towards alleviating the suffering of the Haitian people and building a more stable and prosperous future for all Haitian people and their diaspora in our local communities.”
Narcisse and Louis state that they “remain steadfast” in their commitment to advocate for the rights of the Haitian people and supporting initiatives to bring about good change, even while the international community mobilizes to face these problems.
The United Nations noted that despite rampant gang violence, collapsing institutions, and everyday struggles for survival by its people, it is committed to supporting Haiti in its battle against violence and instability.
