PAP Times | Haitian News – Haiti News – Port au Prince Times – Haiti Times – Times https://paptimes.net Haitian News – Haiti News – Port au Prince Times – Haiti Times - Times Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:40:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/paptimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-pap-times-logo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 PAP Times | Haitian News – Haiti News – Port au Prince Times – Haiti Times – Times https://paptimes.net 32 32 215424019 LEH Steps Up Reform Efforts to Strengthen Regulation of Haiti’s Gaming Sector https://paptimes.net/news/leh-steps-up-reform-efforts-to-strengthen-regulation-of-haitis-gaming-sector/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:39:55 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4105

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.

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LEH Strengthens Oversight of Haiti’s Gambling Industry, Announces Tougher Enforcement Measures https://paptimes.net/news/leh-strengthens-oversight-of-haitis-gambling-industry-announces-tougher-enforcement-measures/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:25:13 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4101

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.

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NashSoft Announces “Challenge of Ariana,” Starring Ariana Milagro Lafond https://paptimes.net/news/nashsoft-announces-challenge-of-ariana-starring-ariana-milagro-lafond/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:27:13 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4096

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.

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OAVCT Launches Special Campaign to Help Vehicle Owners Clear Insurance Arrears https://paptimes.net/news/oavct-launches-special-campaign-to-help-vehicle-owners-clear-insurance-arrears/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:37:23 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4089

Vehicle owners who have fallen behind on their insurance payments now have a new opportunity to regularize their status. The Office d’Assurance Véhicules Contre Tiers (OAVCT) has announced a special campaign that will run from June 22 to July 22, 2026.

The announcement was made on June 18 by the institution’s General Directorate. The initiative applies exclusively to vehicles owned by private individuals.

Under the campaign, motorcycle owners with two to three years of unpaid premiums will only be required to pay for one year in order to renew their insurance policy.

Meanwhile, owners of cars, SUVs, and trucks with at least four years of arrears will be allowed to regularize their coverage by paying the equivalent of only two years of premiums.

Through this initiative, OAVCT aims to encourage drivers to comply with legal requirements while benefiting from exceptional conditions.

The institution is urging all concerned vehicle owners to take advantage of the campaign before it closes on July 22.

“Take advantage of this special campaign to regularize your situation,” OAVCT stated in a communiqué signed by its Director General, Me Jocelin Pierre.

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Real Estate Remains One of the Most Attractive Investment Sectors in 2026 https://paptimes.net/national-news/real-estate-remains-one-of-the-most-attractive-investment-sectors-in-2026/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:28:03 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4085

The real estate market continues to be one of the most attractive investment sectors in 2026, drawing both individual buyers and institutional investors. Despite economic uncertainty in some regions, property ownership remains a reliable strategy for building long-term wealth and financial security.

According to industry experts, residential and commercial properties continue to generate strong demand, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas. Investors are increasingly attracted to real estate because of its potential to provide stable rental income and long-term asset appreciation.Technology is also transforming the industry.

Virtual property tours, digital contracts, and online mortgage applications are making real estate transactions faster and more convenient for buyers and sellers alike. These innovations are helping to streamline the purchasing process and improve market transparency.

Financial analysts believe that ongoing infrastructure development, population growth, and expanding housing demand will continue to support the real estate sector. As a result, property investment remains one of the most trusted and profitable opportunities for individuals seeking to diversify their portfolios and secure their financial future.

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OAVCT Strengthens Its Presence in Haiti’s Northeast with the Opening of a New Regional Office in Ouanaminthe https://paptimes.net/national-news/oavct-strengthens-its-presence-in-haitis-northeast-with-the-opening-of-a-new-regional-office-in-ouanaminthe/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:53:10 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4077

Ouanaminthe, June 11, 2026 – The Office of Insurance Against Third-Party Vehicle Risks (OAVCT) officially inaugurated its new regional office in Ouanaminthe on Thursday, marking another milestone in the institution’s ongoing modernization efforts.The inauguration ceremony brought together local authorities, representatives of civil society, OAVCT officials, and members of the media.Speaking at the event, OAVCT Director General Me. Jocelin Pierre described the opening as a significant step toward strengthening the institution’s services and expanding its reach in Haiti’s Northeast Department.

“This is much more than a change of location,” Pierre stated. “It reflects our commitment to improving service delivery and bringing the institution closer to the people.”According to the Director General, the new facility will allow OAVCT to introduce accident reporting services and reinforce its vehicle assessment operations, providing more efficient support to policyholders throughout the region.Located along the Haitian-Dominican border, Ouanaminthe is one of the country’s most important commercial and transportation hubs.

Pierre emphasized that the growing flow of people and vehicles in the area made it necessary to upgrade the institution’s infrastructure and service capacity.During his remarks, the OAVCT chief also raised concerns about the low rate of vehicle insurance coverage in the region. He revealed that only 10 percent of vehicles circulating in Ouanaminthe are currently insured through OAVCT.“This represents a major gap in the State’s public safety and road security framework,” he said, calling on OAVCT staff and institutional partners to intensify efforts to increase insurance coverage and public awareness.

Pierre also praised the collaboration of key public institutions, including the Haitian National Police (PNH), Customs Administration, and the General Tax Directorate (DGI), whose support contributes to the fulfillment of OAVCT’s mission.The Director General noted that the inauguration is part of a broader national program aimed at strengthening OAVCT’s operational capacity.

Several regional offices and annexes across the country have already benefited from infrastructure upgrades, new equipment, and improved working conditions.The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting and a guided tour of the new facilities, which are expected to provide faster, more efficient, and more accessible services to residents of the Northeast region.

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Haiti’s New Electoral Rules Shut Out U.S. and Canada-Sanctioned Figures https://paptimes.net/news/haitis-new-electoral-rules-shut-out-u-s-and-canada-sanctioned-figures/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:50:37 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4071

A new provision in Haiti’s electoral decree is expected to prevent several individuals sanctioned by the United States and Canada from participating in upcoming elections.

Under Article 153, subsection 20, of the decree published on June 2, all candidates must present a certificate from the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) proving their financial solvency and good standing within the banking system.

The certificate confirms that applicants are not bankrupt, insolvent, barred from using checks, or involved in recurring payment-related incidents.For many individuals under international sanctions, obtaining such a document may prove impossible.

Sanctions often result in exclusion from banking services and financial restrictions, effectively preventing affected individuals from meeting the electoral requirement.Failure to provide the BRH certificate automatically disqualifies a candidate from the registration process.

The measure is therefore seen as a significant obstacle for sanctioned political figures, substantially reducing their chances of competing in future national and local elections

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Jocelin Pierre Leads Strategic Tour in Northern Haiti to Strengthen OAVCT Regional Offices https://paptimes.net/news/jocelin-pierre-leads-strategic-tour-in-northern-haiti-to-strengthen-oavct-regional-offices/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:25:05 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4066

The Director General of the Office d’Assurance Véhicules Contre Tiers (OAVCT), Me Jocelin Pierre, arrived in Cap-Haïtien on Wednesday accompanied by a high-level delegation as part of an official tour across Northern Haiti aimed at strengthening the institution’s regional operations.

The mission is part of the OAVCT’s ongoing modernization agenda and commitment to improving service delivery nationwide. During the tour, the delegation will assess the operational status of regional offices and provide essential equipment to enhance administrative efficiency and better serve policyholders and the general public.

According to the Directorate General, the initiative reflects a broader vision of bringing public services closer to citizens while ensuring that regional branches are adequately equipped to meet growing demands. The visit will also allow officials to identify challenges faced by local offices and implement solutions designed to improve performance and customer satisfaction.

A major highlight of the tour will take place on Thursday, June 11, with the inauguration of the new OAVCT office in Ouanaminthe. The opening of this facility marks another significant step in the institution’s expansion strategy and demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its presence throughout the country.

Under the leadership of Me Jocelin Pierre, the OAVCT continues to pursue reforms focused on modernization, accessibility, and institutional efficiency. The Directorate General reaffirmed its determination to provide high-quality services tailored to the needs of the Haitian population while reinforcing the institution’s role as a key public service provider across the national territory.

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Haiti’s Business Leaders Urge Cooperation to Safeguard Electoral Process https://paptimes.net/news/haitis-business-leaders-urge-cooperation-to-safeguard-electoral-process/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:43:58 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4064

Several of Haiti’s leading business associations have issued a joint statement urging the Government and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to work together in good faith to remove obstacles that could jeopardize the smooth continuation of the electoral process.

In the press release, the signatory organizations stressed that holding credible, transparent, and widely accepted elections remains one of the few sustainable solutions to the political, security, economic, and social crises that have affected Haiti for years. They emphasized that the nation’s best interests and the well-being of the Haitian people must remain the primary guiding principles for all decisions related to the electoral process.

The business groups also noted that the recently adopted electoral decree establishes several key principles essential to ensuring the credibility of the elections, including integrity, transparency, impartiality, inclusiveness, and modernization.

They highlighted important improvements in the professionalization of electoral structures, the updating of the voter registry, the financial transparency of the CEP, and the reliability of results transmission.However, the associations emphasized that the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation. They called for clear procedures, rigorous technical protocols, transparent oversight mechanisms, and meaningful access for observers during critical stages of the electoral process.

The organizations further encouraged the Government, the CEP, and all relevant institutions to act with responsibility, dialogue, and a spirit of cooperation so that upcoming elections can contribute to restoring institutional stability, strengthening democratic legitimacy, and creating the conditions necessary for national recovery.

The signatories reaffirmed their willingness to support any constructive and non-partisan initiative aimed at enhancing the credibility, efficiency, and integrity of Haiti’s electoral process.

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Transition Deadline Exceeded: Organizations Say Alix Didier Fils-Aimé Has Lost Legitimacy Since June 7 https://paptimes.net/national-news/transition-deadline-exceeded-organizations-say-alix-didier-fils-aime-has-lost-legitimacy-since-june-7/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:58:07 +0000 https://paptimes.net/?p=4062

Opposition to Haiti’s transitional government is intensifying. Several political and civic organizations, including Debout Citoyen and the Political Consensus group, argue that de facto Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé no longer holds constitutional legitimacy as of June 7, 2026.These groups point out that the Prime Minister himself invoked Article 149 of the Constitution on February 7 to justify the legal framework of the transition.

According to them, the timeframe associated with that transitional arrangement has now expired, placing the government outside the legal boundaries it previously cited to support its authority.

Critics denounce what they describe as a political drift, accusing the authorities of extending their stay in power without a popular mandate or a credible electoral timetable.

They argue that this situation further weakens national institutions at a time when Haiti is facing an unprecedented security crisis.For these organizations, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has effectively become a resigned prime minister since June 7. They are calling for an urgent national dialogue to prevent a deeper institutional crisis and restore constitutional order.

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