THE MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirmed that a South African jet-laden with arms for Haiti, returned to South Africa on Wednesday after arriving here last Sunday.A press release from the Ministry stated that Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), had received a letter, dated February 23, from Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, requesting help to equip the Haitian police force in light of the worsening security situation there.
In his letter to Mr. Patterson, the release said, President Aristide referred to the CARICOM Prior Action Plan, which called for the professionalisation of the police force, noting that police there were handicapped and unable to constitutionally protect the country because of the lack of resources.
The release added that Mr. Patterson then wrote South African President Thabo Mbeki on February 23, informing him of Mr. Aristide's request, and asked for his help, as had been promised sometime before.
Mr. Patterson then replied to Mr. Aristide, advising him of the request to Mr. Mbeki. The CARICOM chairman also sought reassurance from the Haitian president regarding the intended use of the assistance.
According to the press release, President Mbeki responded positively and the equipment was sent aboard an aircraft, which left South Africa on Sunday for Haiti. The release said the aircraft stopped in Jamaica the same day to refuel at the Norman Manley International Airport, but was immediately sealed by customs. The aircraft was also guarded by the Jamaica Defence Force until it left Jamaica on Wednesday, the release said.
"Based on the sudden turn of events in Haiti on 29 February, Prime Minister Patterson wrote President Mbeki on March 1, 2004 advising him that the consignment would be returned," the release said, adding that the aircraft returned to South Africa with all the cargo aboard.
