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The Foreign Minister denied that the president suspended his trip to Barbados as a result of the protests of the police on Monday, which ended with a fire in the carnival stands.
The President of Haiti Jovenel Moïse called off his participation in the 31st Intersessional Meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which started Tuesday in Barbados.
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The president decided not to go to Barbados "due to the meetings he has on the negotiations to reach a solution to the political crisis," Haiti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bocchit Edmond told Le Nouvelliste newspaper.
The diplomat assured that the cancelation of the trip was planned long before the police protests.
The police mobilization is taking place as the country is experiencing growing insecurity, with the result of 20 violent deaths and 15 kidnappings. This is the third protest of its kind since last October, and according to policemen, their demands are yet to be met.
The Caribbean nation is facing one of the worst political, economic and social crises of its recent history.
The nationwide protests that started in late 2018 were sparked by severe shortages of food and fuel and have been paralyzing the country for months now.
Moise, who has refused to step down, is facing widespread anger over inflation, rampant violence, allegations of corruption, particularly the embezzlement of the funds destined for social programs from the Venezuelan led Petrocaribe cooperation program.
Caricom President and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, opened the session on Tuesday saying that the Caribbean Community was facing big challenges in 2020, and called on its leaders to act with unity to achieve the region's dreams.
Her speech dealt about issues related to health care, economy, trade, transportation and threats.
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