Journal of Haiti and the Americas

Haiti: Ariel Henry, a year of exercising power

Audio 7:30 p.m.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, during a press conference given in Port-au-Prince, in September 2021. © AP/Odelyn Joseph

By: Mikael Ponge

3 mins

Appointed two days before the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, it was not until July 20, 2021 that Ariel Henry officially put on the clothes of Prime Minister of Haiti.

A year at the helm of a bankrupt country, an anniversary on which he addressed the nation to reiterate his goals.

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Despite criticism of illegitimacy, and despite a political agreement that resulted in a transition of power after the July 2021 assassination of President Moïse, Ariel Henry is still at the helm of Haiti as head of government.

By becoming head of the prime minister's office on July 20, 2021, his main objective was

A year later, in an address to the nation (July 20, 2022, the Prime Minister, alone in power, returns with these same objectives without setting a time limit for achieving them.

he said yesterday (July 20, 2022).

For Frantz Duval

said the editor-in-chief of the daily Le Nouvelliste.

In Panama, anger does not subside

The crisis in Panama worsened on Wednesday July 20, 2022, following roadblocks blocking the arrival of food in the capital, looting attempts and the lack of agreement between the government and the demonstrators who denounce the high cost of life.

After more than two weeks of protests, the organizations behind the demonstrations held a new meeting in Penonomé, 150 kilometers southwest of the capital, to detail the issues to be negotiated with the government of President Laurentino Cortizo.

According to the Catholic Church, which plays the role of mediator, they have so far agreed to discuss eight points, including reducing or freezing the prices of the basic food basket, fuel, energy, medicine, I'

investment of 6% of GDP in public education, the future of the public health system and measures against corruption.

Road closures, including on the Pan-American Highway, which connects Panama to Costa Rica and is essential for transporting goods, have led to shortages.

Professional organizations estimate the losses at more than 500 million dollars since the start of the crisis.

The Pope's already controversial visit to Canada

The visit of Pope Francis, from July 24 to 30, 2022, to Canada is part of an attempt at healing and reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the indigenous populations.

He had already asked forgiveness from indigenous delegations he had received in Rome, in early April 2022, for the forced assimilation, sexual abuse and assault suffered in boarding schools, mostly administered by Catholic congregations between 1830 and 1996. Many regret that the Pope does not visit all the places where boarding schools have been run by the Catholic Church, including that of Kamloops where 215 remains of children were found last year (2021).

This visit by the Pope was organized at a rush by the Vatican, with a reduced program for the Pope whose state of health is fragile.

But,

And on the front page of the Journal de la 1ère

A major gendarmerie operation last Tuesday (July 19, 2022), in the town of Schœlcher in Martinique.

Several people were arrested.

Weapons, vehicles, cash and narcotics were seized.

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• Haiti

• Canada

• Panama

• Pope Francis

• Jovenel Moses

On the same subject

Haiti: Ariel Henry remains in power despite the end of his mandate, the political class disputes

The crisis worsens in Panama

Pope Francis' visit to Canada: A journey contested by First Nations