Janet Silvera, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has reiterated the stance of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that the body will only support a constitutionally elected government, chosen in free and fair elections by the people of Haiti.
"My position is not pro-Aristide, or pro-Preval, it's pro-government elected by Haiti, whichever government they choose," said the Prime Minister while speaking at the closing of the Caribbean Inter-American Forum on Political Parties at the Half Moon Montego Bay in St. James on Friday afternoon.
He said his main concern was to help the people of Haiti enjoy the tenets of constitutional democracy.
"That's the litmus test that should be applied." In a no-hold-bars presentation, the former CARICOM Chairman urged the leaders and activists of major political parties in the wartorn nation to discontinue the arbitrary detention of Haitian citizens.
"We remain prepared as CARICOM to support the people, and they must be allowed to express their views freely without fear of foe," he stated.
Deeply disturbed
"We are deeply disturbed by the overall situation on Haiti and the continuing insecurity, volatility and political polarisation which can hinder any steps to progress in responsible democratic governance ... The Caribbean Community prides itself on strong democratic traditions and practices, which have been the passion for generations."
He said CARICOM has committed to make good on its promise to contribute to the people of Haiti. An Assistance Programme has already been drawn up by the CARICOM Task Force on Haiti and is ready for implementation as soon as the security situation normalises.
"We have also pledged to contribute technical assistance for the electoral process in Haiti, under the umbrella of the electoral unit of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti, MINUISTAH. The welfare of the Haitian people remains our overriding concern," he said.
President Aristide was pushed out of power in February 2004 during a local uprising. He is currently exiled in South Africa. Before departing for South Africa he spent several weeks in Jamaica.
