NATIONAL NEWS

All receipts for payment of Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees issued before October 1, 2022, will expire September 30, 2023. There will be no extensions of fee validity.  Applicants must schedule an appointment or submit an interview waiver application before September 30, 2023 to avoid paying a new fee. Please note that the interview itself does not need to take place before September 30, 2023, but an interview appointment needs to be made in the system, even if it is scheduled months into the future. Furthermore, applicants using MRV fees paid before October 1, 2022 to book an appointment are cautioned not to attempt to change their appointment dates on or after October 1, 2023. Doing so will result in forfeiture of both the original appointment slot and the MRV fee receipt. The ...

The crisis in Haiti is causing deep concern within the international community. Brian Nichols, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, recently expressed his concern about the rising gang violence in the country. In a statement made on Monday, he announced that the United States is seeking to secure a resolution from the United Nations Security Council aimed at deploying a multinational force to Haiti to address this crisis. The current situation in Haiti is alarming, marked by an escalation of gang violence, mass kidnappings, political unrest, and a steadily worsening humanitarian crisis. Brian Nichols emphasized the urgent need to act swiftly to halt this spiral of violence that threatens the country's stability and the well-being of its population.

The Syndicate of Employees of the Haitian State Lottery, known by its acronym SELEH in French, has recently expressed its unwavering support for the brave residents of the Grand Nord, especially those in Ouanaminthe, who have shown exemplary determination in the face of absurd threats from a neo-Nazi group in the Dominican Republic led by the disturbed Abinader, as stated by the Syndicate. In a recent statement, they hailed the patriotism of these citizens who, despite intimidation, continue to defend the interests of their nation. This resilience in the face of adversity deserves not only our admiration but also our unconditional support. The Syndicate would like to remind everyone that the security of our country remains an absolute priority. However, Abinader's decision to restrict ...

On September 14th, Luckner Désir was once again summoned by the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince. During this meeting, attorney Edler Guillaume conducted a thorough interrogation that led to a crucial decision: the Luckner Désir case has been closed, ending a period of uncertainty. This news was greeted with immense relief by Luckner Désir, who sees it as a significant victory for press freedom in Haiti. In a country where journalists regularly face threats and pressure due to their courageous work, this decision reinforces the fundamental principle that the voice of the media must be protected and respected. In the aftermath of this decision, Luckner Désir expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him throughout this ordeal. He reaffirmed his commitment to free and ...

The already strained relations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are taking on a new and alarming dimension, revolving around the issue of the Massacre River water diversion project by the population of northeastern Haiti. In response to this initiative, the Dominican Republic has unveiled a series of drastic measures, including the closure of the Dajabón border crossing and the suspension of visa issuance to Haitian nationals. Additionally, the Dominican government is contemplating the suspension of all land, sea, and air trade exchanges with Haiti, effective from Thursday, September 14. The core of this crisis revolves around the Massacre River water diversion project. The Dominican Republic has expressed concerns regarding the potential repercussions of this canal on the ...

On September 11, 2023, the Haitian government officially launched the academic year 2023-2024 in Jérémie, a city located in the southwestern peninsula of the country. This event was supposed to be a moment of joy and celebration of education, but instead, it unfolded in a tense atmosphere marked by significant challenges. The government delegation, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Education, traveled to Jérémie to mark the beginning of the school year. However, upon their arrival in the city, the Prime Minister's convoy was attacked with stones by local residents. Despite these regrettable incidents, the ceremony ultimately took place thanks to an increased presence of Haitian police forces. Authorities had deployed a significant number of police officers to...

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has strongly criticized the inaction of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in forming a broader government coalition and implementing measures to address the unstable socio-political situation in Haiti. In a statement to the EFE news agency on Friday, Gonsalves expressed the disappointment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the unfulfilled commitments made by Henry during the CARICOM summit in Trinidad and Tobago last July. The political situation in Haiti is currently described as "deeply polarized and volatile" by Gonsalves, who asserts that it is fueled by criticisms regarding the lack of legitimacy of the current government and its inability to address the security and socio-economic issues th...

Heavily armed assailants have forcefully penetrated the Solino and Nazon districts within Port-au-Prince, instigating widespread panic and disarray amongst the local populace. The reverberations of automatic firearm discharges permeated the atmosphere. Inhabitants, caught unawares by this ruthless incursion, found themselves compelled to execute hasty evacuations in order to secure their personal safety. Streets rapidly emptied, leaving behind a landscape of forsaken residences and abandoned commercial establishments. A palpable undercurrent of trepidation and bewilderment etched itself upon the countenances of those in desperate search of a secure refuge. Additionally, amidst the tragic aftermath of this assault, reports have surfaced indicating multiple casualties resulting from g...

In August 2023, the Dominican Republic carried out a massive deportation of 23,829 Haitian nationals, sparking significant international concern and eliciting various reactions. Dominican authorities justified this action by asserting that these Haitians were in an irregular immigration status within their territory, thus raising crucial questions about human rights, immigration policies, and cooperation between these neighboring nations. Over the years, thousands of Haitians have crossed the border in search of better economic opportunities. Many of these Haitian immigrants have worked in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and tourism in the Dominican Republic, often in conditions of economic and social vulnerability. According to Dominican authorities, the Haitians depor...