Collective security versus Haiti
Published:Thursday | February 2, 2023 | 12:35 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The increase in gang violence in Haiti has become a great cause of concern for Caribbean counterparts. It is at an obnoxious level and should not be tolerated further. The gang activities in the capital, Port-au-Prince, have created havoc and breached the human rights of law-abiding citizens. In fact, several gangs have been responsible for kidnappings, rape, financial crimes, and homicides. The police force and military are outnumbered, and lack the basic resources to curtail the criminal elements. Without a doubt, the ongoing crisis severely impacts the Caribbean countries as the long run of the guns-for-drugs trade is increasing. Haiti has become like glaucoma in the eyes of international observers and intergovernmental organisations. Hence, an amicable approach is urgently needed to destabilise a state under siege by criminal elements.
The strategic approach that must be undertaken is known as collective security. Collective security is an arrangement or regional effort to restore peace in a threatened area. Haiti is a part of CARICOM, therefore, I believe that as a regional bloc, assistance should be given to stem the crisis. The prime objective, of CARICOMIMPACS, an arm of CARICOM, has the legal authority to manage the agenda for crime and security in the region. They should spearhead the collective security approach needed to destabilise the crisis that Haiti is facing. A thorough analysis and research are needed to strategically develop a military alliance, that can assist the fight against transnational organised crimes in the Caribbean and any external threat that might occur. As a regional bloc, member states should cooperate and intervene to regain the democratic control of the French-speaking island. As Kenneth N. Waltz states, “in anarchy, there is no automatic harmony”, therefore, as a region, we should create harmony and promote peace.
CHEVAUGN ROBINSON