MIAMI, Fla. – Just four months into the job, Dennis Hankins, the new U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, came to the role amid the country’s on-going economic, security and humanitarian crisis.
Another round of Kenyan police officers arrive to help tap down on gang warfare as part of the multinational security support - or MSS – mission.
On Friday, at a church in Little Haiti, flanked by members of congress, Hankins fielded questions and offered candid updates from the ground.
“I cannot agree that Haitian hopes will not be dashed,” he said. “I think the whole point is right now Haiti has an opportunity to seize the day. It is the point to move forward and make changes.”
Haskins said there are signs of progress, pointing to a transitional government and new prime minister.
“The transitional presidential council, it’s awkward, it’s difficult, but it does have a broad spectrum,” he said. “Haitians working together in national interest, and that is a point of confidence.”
Ultimately, Haskins said Haitians are charting - and responsible for - the future of their country.
“Trying to create economic opportunities, particularity job opportunities, so people don’t feel like they have to get on boat, so that 16 year olds don’t feel the only option for them is to join a gang that is an important part of building that,” he said. “There is the concept that anything that happens in Haiti is become of us, so people say, America get out, unless of course you can help me with my agenda then it is your responsibility to do it for us. Religious leaders, business leaders, political leaders, they all play a role. I am there to help support that dialogue among them but ultimately it is going to be a Haitian decision.”
Added Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick: “Just this morning we heard MSS was able to take over a port that the gangs were holding, so we are starting to see wins and we are starting to have more confidence in MSS, and also in the transition government and the prime minister, so I am very confident that the funding we are sending to Haiti is actually working in the good for the Haitian people.”
In addition, the U.S. government extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians for 18 months due to the ongoing conditions in Haiti.
The extension lasts from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026.