US commits additional US$133 million to aid polycrisis-hit Haiti

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the North American country will double its contribution to the polycrisis-hit Haiti, announcing an additional US$100 million for the multinational security force yet to be deployed to the French-speaking country.

This brings the latest contribution from the US Department of Defense to US$200 million, with an overall contribution of US$300 million so far.

Additionally, the US diplomat said Haitians are to receive US$33 million in humanitarian support for health and food security.

Blinken made the announcement late this evening during an urgent meeting of CARICOM heads of government, other regional and international leaders and Haitian stakeholders still underway at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

Blinken said the situation in Haiti, which he called “already challenging and difficult”, has deteriorated further and makes it increasingly important for support for the multinational force.

“All of us know that only the Haitian people can and only the Haitian people should determine their own future. Not anyone else,” Blinken said.

“But all of us here, CARICOM, the United States and other parties can help. We can help restore a foundation of security and address the tremendous suffering innocent Haitians are experiencing,” he added.

Blinken said discussions had been intense but that it had been a good day “coming together in a positive direction”.

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