The Haitian Network of Anti-Corruption Journalists (RHAJAC) is urging Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to exercise caution in operations aimed at locating four Salvadoran military aviation technicians who have been missing since October 18, 2026, in Santo, in the Croix-des-Bouquets commune of Haiti.In a press statement issued on Monday, October 26, the organization argues that operations against armed gangs must take into account alleged networks providing these groups with weapons, financial resources, and political or police protection.

RHAJAC specifically alleges that Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé may have reached an agreement with gang leaders to maintain his hold on power. These allegations have not been independently verified.The organization maintains that the fight against insecurity must also involve thorough investigations into the alleged backers of criminal groups to identify those responsible for the violence, including its perpetrators, masterminds, and accomplices.

Condemning the attack that led to the disappearance of the four Salvadoran nationals, RHAJAC expressed solidarity with their families and called for all necessary resources to be mobilized to find them.

It also emphasized the need to protect civilians and uphold human rights during security operations.The organization reiterated its call for independent and fair judicial proceedings to ensure that those responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice, regardless of their political position, wealth, or rank.

The Coalition of Republican Forces (CFR) has gained further visibility in Haiti’s political debate, with its position explicitly mentioned in a report by the United Nations Secretary-General dated October 12, 2026.

On page 4 of document S/2026/800, the report identifies the CFR among the political groups opposing elections under the current conditions and calling for a revision of existing governance arrangements.

This reference places the Coalition within the broader discussion on Haiti’s political transition and the future of the electoral process.

The CFR maintains that credible elections require concrete guarantees, including adequate security conditions and responsible government leadership capable of restoring state authority and establishing an environment conducive to a free and credible vote.

Haiti: Jocelerme Privert Links Security Stabilization to Economic RecoveryPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, October 19, 2026 — Haiti’s security crisis continues to undermine economic activity, disrupt the movement of goods and deepen the population’s social vulnerabilities. Against this backdrop, former President Jocelerme Privert is placing national security and economic recovery at the center of his political project, “Haiti Transformed” (Haïti Transformé), which envisions a five-year stabilization period aimed at restoring the country’s capacity to function and develop.

Privert argues that Haiti’s recovery requires changes in governance and concrete responses to the challenges facing the population. Within this framework, security is a prerequisite for restoring economic activity, particularly in regions affected by isolation and restrictions on movement.The existence of areas beyond effective state control and the difficulties confronting several geographic departments illustrate the scale of the challenges.

When travel becomes dangerous and commercial exchanges are disrupted, producers, traders and consumers bear the consequences. Restoring freedom of movement is therefore not merely a security objective; it is also essential to improving supply chains, protecting employment and easing pressure on household living conditions.Through Haiti Transformed, Privert seeks to incorporate the resolution of the security crisis into a broader five-year stabilization strategy. His stated ambition is to establish the conditions necessary for institutions to function effectively, productive activities to resume and national solidarity to be strengthened.

Expanding domestic production and increasing exports are central components of this vision, which aims to build an economy capable of generating greater prosperity.The social consequences of the crisis remain equally concerning. Privert cites six million people facing food insecurity and nearly two million internally displaced people who have fled their homes. These figures underscore the close relationship between security, poverty reduction and the protection of livelihoods. Among the solutions he advocates is the relocation of displaced families to cities where they can live in safety and dignity.

To support his proposed agenda, Privert highlights his 35 years of public service, including his responsibilities at the Directorate General of Taxes, the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities, the Senate and the presidency. He considers this experience an asset in implementing the reforms he believes are necessary for Haiti’s recovery.However, the proposed economic recovery strategy will depend on the ability to define practical measures to secure transportation routes, support domestic producers and create a more favorable environment for investment. Funding mechanisms, sectoral priorities and implementation timelines also remain to be specified to determine the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Through Haiti Transformed, Privert presents security stabilization as a foundation for economic recovery. The initiative’s effectiveness will ultimately depend on translating its stated objectives into concrete measures capable of restoring public confidence, supporting domestic production and improving living conditions for Haitians.

HAITIAN NETWORK OF ANTI-CORRUPTION JOURNALISTS

RHAJAC

To: Me. Fritz Patterson Dorval, Government Commissioner

Cc: Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ)

Subject: Complaint and Request for an Investigation Concerning Gérard Cassis

Dear Government Commissioner,The Haitian Network of Anti-Corruption Journalists (RHAJAC) is contacting you to request the opening of a judicial investigation into serious alleged facts involving businessman Gérard Cassis.According to information gathered by RHAJAC, Gérard Cassis allegedly imports more than 200 containers of merchandise per month from the United States and other countries.

These containers would reportedly transit through the Dominican Republic before entering Haiti without taxation or regular customs inspection.Gang leaders Jeff Larose, also known as “Jeff Gwo Lwa,” and Wilson Joseph, also known as “Lanmò San Jou,” are also alleged to be involved in this suspected network.Weapons and ammunition are alleged to have been concealed in some of the containers.

Wilson Joseph is reportedly said to have been one of the beneficiaries before their alleged redistribution to other leaders of armed groups in the country.

On August 20, 2026, agents from the General Administration of Customs (AGD) and the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) reportedly conducted a search of Gérard Cassis’s private residence as part of an investigation following the leaking of this information.

Since that operation, no substantial public information has made it possible to determine the status or subsequent developments of the case. RHAJAC nevertheless has information indicating that the movement of the containers in question allegedly continues without taxation or regular customs verification.

Rodney Louis, coordinator of the Strategic Council of EDE, has welcomed the recent amendments to Haiti’s electoral decree, describing them as steps that could help move the electoral process forward.Louis particularly highlights two changes: allowing voters to register online and reducing the number of documents required from candidates.

According to him, these measures could make the electoral framework more accessible while encouraging broader participation and greater confidence in the process.The EDE official is also calling on the relevant authorities to publish a new electoral calendar as soon as possible.

He argues that the timeline should be realistic and take into account Haiti’s ongoing security, technical and institutional challenges. Political parties and candidates, he adds, should be given sufficient time to prepare for the various electoral deadlines.

On the political front, Louis reaffirmed his support for the institutional direction led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. He also advocates broader participation within the government, arguing that bringing together additional competent actors could strengthen the government’s ability to address national priorities.Security remains another major concern.

Louis is calling for sustained measures to protect the population, restore state authority and facilitate the movement of people and goods.He also stresses the importance of supporting domestic production, creating jobs and assisting small and medium-sized businesses. Finally, Louis urges political and social actors to prioritize dialogue and compromise as Haiti seeks greater institutional stability and credible elections.

October 1, 2026, marks the entry into force of Haiti’s new Tax Code and the beginning of the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Together, these two milestones open a new chapter in the history of the country’s tax administration.

On this occasion, I extend my sincere and patriotic wishes to my fellow Haitians, both in Haiti and throughout the diaspora, for a better fiscal year—one guided by responsibility, solidarity, and hope.

My thoughts go especially to the dedicated tax officers serving across the country, to my former colleagues at the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), and to all civil servants, executives, and employees working within the national tax administration. Their daily commitment, often under difficult conditions, deserves recognition and respect.I also salute Haiti’s taxpayers, whose contribution to financing the state is fundamental to our collective sovereignty.A renewed Tax Code is more than a technical instrument. It is also a political and civic commitment.

It reflects the determination of a state to reform itself, better serve its citizens, and establish a fairer, more transparent, and more equitable relationship between the administration and taxpayers.May this new fiscal year contribute meaningfully to strengthening the state, improving the mobilization of public resources, and consolidating a tax administration that is more efficient, equitable, and responsive to all.

Above all, may this new fiscal year be marked by peace, security, stability, and hope—for without these foundations, no reform can fully achieve its objectives.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and productive 2026–2027 fiscal year!Port-au-Prince,

October 1, 2026Jocelerme PRIVERT

Former Secretary of State for FinanceFormer Director General of the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI)

IBAGUÉ, Colombia – Haitian swimmer Christian Jerome delivered a breakthrough performance at the Pan Am Aquatics Championships, establishing himself as one of the competition’s standout athletes and reinforcing Haiti’s growing presence in international swimming.

Competing against some of the best young swimmers from across the Americas, Jerome produced an extraordinary series of performances, capturing multiple medals and rewriting several Haitian national records.

His final day in the pool was particularly impressive. Jerome dominated the 50-meter freestyle, posting the fastest time in the preliminaries before returning in the final to claim the gold medal in 23.20 seconds, setting yet another Haitian national record.

Throughout the championships, the young Haitian star displayed remarkable consistency and versatility across sprint and butterfly events. He captured gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter butterfly, and 50-meter freestyle, while also securing a silver medal in the 200-meter butterfly and a bronze in the 200-meter freestyle.

His exceptional performances earned him the prestigious Men’s 16–18 Individual High-Point Championship, finishing with an impressive 158 points—a distinction awarded to the most successful swimmer in his age category.

Jerome’s achievements extended beyond the medal podium. He repeatedly lowered Haitian national records, demonstrating significant progress and signaling a promising future for Haitian swimming on the international stage.

The championships also highlighted the strength of Team Haiti as a whole. Teammates Jude Jerome and Raphael Grand’Pierre contributed valuable performances and points, helping Haiti finish 19th overall with 200 points in the combined team standings.

For Haiti, Christian Jerome’s remarkable campaign represents more than individual success. It is a powerful statement about the development of aquatic sports in the country and a source of inspiration for the next generation of Haitian athletes.

As the championships conclude in Colombia, Christian Jerome returns home not only as a multiple medalist and national record holder, but also as one of Haiti’s emerging sporting ambassadors on the continental stage.

Haiti’s State Lottery (LEH) has intensified its institutional reform agenda with a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening the regulation and governance of the country’s gaming industry.Held on July 6, the meeting was chaired by Munson Jean, LEH’s Commercial and Marketing Director, and brought together members of the institution’s Commercial Directorate to assess the implementation of new government measures affecting the gaming sector.

Discussions focused on ensuring a smooth transition toward a modern regulatory framework designed to improve oversight, reinforce institutional governance, and enhance the effectiveness of LEH’s operations. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts, supported by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to modernize the administration of games of chance in Haiti.

Officials also reviewed strategies to strengthen regulatory enforcement, combat irregular practices, and improve transparency across the sector. The meeting highlighted LEH’s commitment to implementing administrative and technological reforms that will contribute to a more accountable and efficient regulatory system.

The strategic session comes as the government advances significant reforms in the gaming industry, reaffirming LEH’s central role as the public institution responsible for regulating games of chance nationwide.Through these initiatives, LEH seeks to establish a more transparent, well-regulated, and modern gaming sector while reinforcing public confidence and promoting sound governance in one of the country’s important economic activities.

Four years after its reactivation, Haiti’s National Lottery Directorate (Loterie de l’État Haïtien – LEH) says it is making significant progress in regulating the country’s gambling industry while preparing to tighten enforcement against operators that fail to comply with the law.Speaking at a press conference on Friday, July 3, 2026, LEH Commercial and Marketing Director Munson Jean highlighted the institution’s achievements and outlined its priorities for the months ahead.

He stressed that the LEH’s mission extends beyond managing lottery games, serving instead as the national regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all gambling activities, including sports betting companies, casinos, and other gaming establishments.

According to Jean, the rapid expansion of gambling businesses in Haiti has made stronger regulation essential to combat illegal operations, improve oversight, and ensure that all operators meet their tax obligations. He revealed that approximately ten companies previously operating outside the legal framework have since been brought into compliance.

Despite Haiti’s ongoing security and institutional challenges, the LEH has continued its modernization efforts. Among its key initiatives is the development of a digital platform designed to connect lottery operators nationwide, allowing the institution to improve monitoring, strengthen transparency, and streamline regulatory oversight.

Jean also disclosed that several modernization and institutional reform proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He praised the ministry’s support, saying its collaboration has been instrumental in advancing reforms aimed at improving the LEH’s efficiency and regulatory capacity.The LEH official concluded with a strong warning to operators that continue to disregard the country’s legal requirements.

He announced that new regulatory measures will soon take effect and that inspections will be intensified to ensure full compliance across the gambling sector. Jean emphasized that gambling represents an important source of economic activity and government revenue and must operate within a transparent and well-regulated legal framework.

NashSoft is preparing to launch Challenge of Ariana, a fantasy adventure game inspired by Haitian influencer and House of Challenge winner Ariana Milagro Lafond.

The upcoming title follows Ariana as the main protagonist on a mission to defend a kingdom from powerful foes, overcome perilous obstacles, and defeat legendary bosses.

Designed as an immersive action-adventure experience, the game aims to bring players into a world of exploration, courage, and epic battles.

The official unveiling is scheduled for July 7, after which the game will be available on Android, iOS, Windows PC, and Steam.

The release marks Ariana’s first appearance as the lead character in a video game and highlights NashSoft’s latest original production.