Weekly Report July 29 to August 5

Kidnapping at Haitian Orphanage: Nine Abducted, Including Irish Director and Child

In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, armed assailants carried out a coordinated kidnapping at the Sainte Hélène orphanage in Tête Bois-Pin, a rural locality in the Kenscoff commune, just outside Port-au-Prince. The intruders breached a wall to access the premises and abducted nine individuals without firing a single shot. Among those taken were Gena Heraty, a longtime Irish humanitarian and director of the orphanage, a three-year-old child, and seven local staff members.

The Sainte Hélène orphanage is part of the “Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs” (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) humanitarian network, which provides care to approximately 270 children, including over fifty with special needs. Heraty has been working in Haiti since 1993 and is widely recognized for her decades-long commitment to the country’s most vulnerable.

No ransom demand has yet been made. However, Heraty was permitted to make a phone call shortly after the abduction to confirm the kidnapping and report that all hostages were still alive. The raid has prompted the organization to temporarily suspend operations at all its affiliated institutions, including Saint-Damien Hospital, the Life Program, and Saint-Luc Hospital, in protest against what it described as an intolerable and barbaric act.

The kidnapping has drawn sharp condemnation from national and international partners. Haiti’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) expressed grave concern over the implications of this attack for the safety of childcare institutions across the country, calling the act one of "unspeakable cruelty." The organization reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and supporting affected personnel in the face of worsening insecurity.

The Haitian National Police confirmed the abduction and characterized it as a premeditated operation, noting the calculated breach of the perimeter wall and targeted entry to the residence of the orphanage director.

Kenscoff has experienced sustained violence since January 2025, following a wave of armed incursions by the criminal federation known as “Viv Ansanm.” Large portions of the commune have been depopulated and now remain under gang control, despite ongoing efforts by Haitian security forces. The situation continues to deteriorate, with humanitarian and protection infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to targeted violence.

Humanitarian Crisis in Jacmel Prison, 14 Dead, over 200 Inmates Seriously Ill in Overcrowded Facility

Jacmel, Southeast Haiti, The Jacmel Civil Prison is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. In the span of just one month, 14 inmates have died, and more than 200 others are suffering from severe illnesses due to the lack of medical care, clean water, and food. The facility, originally built to accommodate 120 prisoners, is now holding over 800, nearly seven times its intended capacity.

Attorney Frantz Comonce, Coordinator of the Southeast Legal Aid Office, described the conditions as catastrophic. He denounced the complete collapse of basic living standards and issued an urgent call for action. According to Comonce, extreme overcrowding, absence of medical treatment, food shortages, and lack of potable water have created a life-threatening environment for detainees.

He appealed to the Haitian government, human rights organizations, and the international community to intervene immediately to prevent further loss of life.

Observers and Human Rights Groups point to this tragedy as a stark example of the broader collapse of Haiti’s prison system, plagued by chronic neglect, underfunding, and a lack of meaningful reform. Many detainees in Jacmel and across the country remain in prolonged pretrial detention, sometimes for years, enduring conditions that violate their most basic rights.

Haiti’s National Police Strengthened Through International Support and Strategic Investments

The Haitian National Police (PNH) received a significant reinforcement to its operational and emergency response capacity through a coordinated international effort led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Organization of American States (OAS), and key donor countries. This initiative comes amid an intensifying security crisis, with gang violence displacing over 1.3 million people and severely undermining national stability.

As part of this broader support package, UNDP handed over a newly renovated police station in the Champs-de-Mars district of Port-au-Prince—one of the capital’s most symbolic and strategic areas—directly to the PNH. Located near the National Palace and the French Embassy, the upgraded facility now meets modern safety and operational standards. The renovation forms part of an international initiative aimed at strengthening law enforcement infrastructure under extreme conditions.

In parallel, a high-profile handover ceremony took place on August 2, 2025, at the PNH General Directorate, where 32 vehicles—including 24 armored patrol SUVs and 8 ambulances—were formally transferred to the police. The donation, made possible through a partnership between the UNDP and the Government of Japan, is designed to improve mobility, emergency response, and field operations throughout the country.

UNDP Resident Representative Xavier Michon described the rehabilitation and vehicle donation as a meaningful step toward restoring institutional capacity and morale among police forces operating under severe pressure. He emphasized that the effort reflects a broader commitment from international partners including Canada, the United States, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and the European Union, with additional support coordinated through the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Additional police stations were rehabilitated in Kenscoff and Borgne. In Kenscoff, both the main station and the Lotin substation were restored with support from the OAS, while in Borgne, the local facility was fully rebuilt. These renovations featured perimeter fortifications, sanitation improvements, and the installation of solar energy systems. Canada played a key role in financing and managing the projects through the OAS office in Haiti.

OAS Special Representative Cristobal Dupouy stated that restoring law enforcement infrastructure is essential to the police’s ability to fulfill its mission of protecting the Haitian population. He noted that these enhancements would contribute to greater public trust in state institutions.

The UNDP also announced further investments in forward operating bases, upgraded detention facilities, and specialized training programs for officers. These measures aim to reinforce institutional resilience and improve operational capacity across the security sector. Michon and other UN officials stressed the urgency of fully deploying the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and intensifying efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking, which continues to fuel gang expansion.

PNH Leadership Meets Amid Escalating Violence

Facing intense criticism over the worsening security crisis, Interim Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Rameau Normil, convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the institution’s headquarters in Clercine 8. The meeting brought together senior leadership, including members of the High Command, regional directors for the West departments (1 and 2), and commanders of specialized tactical units.

With armed violence surging and public trust in government institutions rapidly deteriorating, the gathering aimed to revitalize police efforts and present a more assertive stance against criminal networks. According to a statement released the following day, discussions centered on evaluating existing strategies and implementing an urgent, more aggressive response to gang activity.

Normil reportedly underscored the need to reestablish state control over high-risk zones and emphasized that "zero tolerance" must be enforced against gang operatives. He called for coordinated, continuous action on the ground to reassert authority and reassure the population.

A revised operational plan was approved during the meeting, outlining a wide-scale redeployment of police personnel, improved inter-unit coordination, and focused interventions in neighborhoods most affected by gang violence.

Claims of Bribery and Political Discord Deepen Crisis Within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council

Pierre Espérance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), has raised serious concerns regarding alleged attempts to influence the makeup of Haiti’s executive leadership through bribery. According to Espérance, credible information regarding these attempts is reportedly in the possession of the U.S. Department of State. However, he clarified that neither Fritz Alphonse Jean nor Edgard Leblanc Fils—two prominent members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) were responsible for initiating the bribe offers.

While distancing them from any direct involvement in the alleged corruption, Espérance acknowledged that both Jean and Leblanc Fils, along with political figure Jean Charles Moïse, have advocated for a leadership change at the Prime Minister’s office. He noted that although discussions have taken place, he could not confirm whether these actors had met directly, stressing the absence of a formal political alliance between them.

Espérance expressed skepticism over the likelihood of securing a majority within the CPT to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. He pointed to key figures such as Louis Gérald Gilles, Smith Augustin, and Emmanuel Vertilaire, representative of the Pitit Desalin movement, as firmly opposed to any effort to replace the current head of government.

Responding to recent statements from the Prime Minister’s office suggesting an attempted “coup” within the Council, Espérance categorically rejected the notion of any unconstitutional power grab. “There has been no coup within the Council,” he stated, refuting claims of institutional overthrow.

He further acknowledged the presence of ongoing internal tensions between the Prime Minister and certain CPT members, particularly noting that Fritz Alphonse Jean has engaged in exploratory discussions with Edgard Leblanc Fils concerning a possible leadership transition.

These revelations add to growing concerns over the fragility of the Transitional Presidential Council, already weakened by internal rivalries and an increasingly volatile political landscape.

As Haiti continues to confront overlapping crises ranging from security breakdowns to humanitarian and institutional emergencies, the cohesion and legitimacy of the transitional government remain in question.

U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince Closed Temporarily Following Heavy Gunfire in Tabarre

Amid escalating armed violence near its diplomatic compound, the United States temporarily closed its embassy in Port-au-Prince and suspended all movement of its personnel. The decision followed intense gunfire reported in Tabarre, a commune located northeast of the capital and near the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, which remained under high tension.

On Monday, August 4, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert announcing the embassy’s closure. All official travel outside the diplomatic compound was suspended, and embassy staff were instructed to shelter in place. The State Department cited “heavy gunfire in the Tabarre area” and urged American citizens to avoid the zone.

The Arrest of Nenel Cassy and Its Broader Implications for Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

On August 2, 2025, former Haitian senator Nenel Cassy was arrested by agents of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) at a restaurant in Pétion-Ville, following a targeted surveillance operation. The arrest was confirmed by the Haitian National Police (PNH), which had issued a warrant for Cassy's apprehension on February 18, 2025. The charges include conspiracy against state security, financing of criminal organizations, complicity in assassination, and criminal association. He is also under investigation for illicit enrichment and false declaration of assets.

According to law enforcement officials, Cassy's detention is linked to broader ongoing investigations into the structure and financing of organized armed groups operating in Haiti. In a public statement, a PNH spokesperson confirmed that prior arrests and evidence gathering led authorities to suspect Cassy of maintaining direct connections with these groups. His name also appeared in earlier judicial inquiries related to armed attacks in Kenscoff; a commune previously spared from gang activity but targeted in deadly assaults in early 2025. Despite having responded to a summons from the Port-au-Prince prosecutor in March 2025, Cassy remained at liberty until his recent detention.

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), in a report dated November 15, 2023, concluded that Cassy failed to comply with mandatory asset declaration laws and had amassed unexplained wealth during his time in office. Between 2016 and 2017, his declared assets reportedly increased by over 28 million gourdes. The investigation uncovered multiple undeclared properties, vehicles, and luxury items, including high-end watches and jewelry, all inconsistent with his public salary. The findings prompted a recommendation for legal proceedings against him.

In addition to domestic investigations, Cassy had already been subject to international scrutiny. The United States sanctioned him on December 11, 2023, for corruption-related offenses, following a prior sanction by Canada on March 24, 2023. His arrest occurred one day after a statement by the U.S. Department of State warning of consequences for individuals attempting to undermine Haiti’s political stability. The U.S. government reaffirmed its support for the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and its collaboration with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, citing awareness of recent bribery attempts targeting the executive branch.

Cassy’s arrest follows the high-profile detention of businessman and political figure Pierre Réginald Boulos in the United States. Boulos, who renounced his U.S. citizenship prior to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to a federal detention facility in Florida. His detention is based on multiple charges including immigration fraud, money laundering, corruption, and suspected involvement in the funding of armed groups. Sources close to the investigation report that Boulos has provided U.S. authorities with intelligence that may implicate other high-level Haitian political and business figures.

Boulos’s arrest is considered part of a broader campaign by U.S. authorities to dismantle entrenched networks of political corruption in Haiti. Other individuals reportedly under scrutiny include former and current government officials such as Allain Zuraik, Dimitri Vorbes, Michel Martelly, Laurent Lamothe, Ariel Henry, and Claude Joseph. The investigation is reportedly leveraging U.S. jurisdiction over immigration violations, financial crimes, and cross-border criminal activity to hold Haitian elites accountable.

These developments signal a significant shift in Haiti’s political environment, where accountability for corruption has historically been limited. The involvement of international actors, particularly the United States, reflects a growing recognition that Haiti’s internal institutions remain too weakened to independently address the depth and scale of corruption. The arrests of Cassy and Boulos may mark the beginning of a more sustained effort to investigate and prosecute those who have long evaded justice through political influence and systemic impunity.

U.S. Embassy Broadcasted Radio Drama to Warn Against Irregular Migration

The United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince launched a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at discouraging Haitians from engaging in irregular migration through the broadcast of a serialized radio drama titled Chimen Danje. The 15-episode program, with each episode lasting approximately 15 minutes, was developed by the Embassy's Public Affairs Office and aired across national and community radio networks.

The initiative was designed to educate the Haitian public on the dangers associated with unauthorized migration, particularly by sea or through overland routes across Latin America and Central America, with the goal of reaching the United States via the Mexican border. The storyline highlighted the real and often life-threatening risks faced by migrants who attempt these journeys, including exploitation, violence, and death.

Chimen Danje was broadcast on the Radio Lumière network (97.7 FM and Radiolumiere.fm) every Sunday from 2:30 to 2:45 p.m., Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:00 a.m., and Friday from 5:45 to 6:00 p.m. It was also aired in rotation on numerous other radio stations throughout the country, including several community outlets.

In conjunction with the program’s launch, the Embassy reiterated that irregular migration presents extreme and unnecessary risks, particularly when individuals attempt to reach U.S. territory through unauthorized means. The Embassy emphasized that U.S. borders remained secure and that individuals seeking to travel to the United States should do so through legal and authorized channels.

By broadcasting Chimen Danje, the U.S. Embassy is seeking to contribute to a broader regional effort to raise awareness, deter dangerous migration practices, and promote safer alternatives rooted in lawful processes.

UN Warns of Escalating Human Rights Crisis in Haiti as Violence Intensifies

Haiti’s human rights situation has deteriorated significantly, according to a new report released by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The report, published Friday, documents at least 1,520 deaths and 609 injuries between April and June 2025, with the majority of incidents occurring in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, as well as in the Artibonite and Centre departments.

The findings highlight a continuing expansion of territorial control by armed groups, who are perpetrating widespread atrocities including murders, mass rapes, abductions, sexual slavery, and the exploitation of children. BINUH recorded at least 185 kidnappings and 628 cases of sexual violence during the reporting period. More than 24 percent of the victims were directly targeted by gangs using terror and coercion to maintain their dominance.

A significant number of civilian casualties also resulted from ongoing security operations. Notably, one-third of the reported fatalities were attributed to explosive drone strikes, reflecting an escalation in the tactics employed against criminal networks.

In response, the United Nations has issued an urgent call for enhanced efforts to combat gang violence, stressing the importance of adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. The full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, is viewed as essential to restoring stability and the rule of law.

The report also noted a sharp increase in forced displacement. Since June 2025, more than 45,000 additional individuals have been displaced in the Centre and Artibonite regions, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons in those two departments to nearly 240,000. Women constitute the majority of the displaced population, while the humanitarian response remains severely underfunded.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq urged the international community to intensify efforts to curb the illicit flow of arms into Haiti and to scale up humanitarian assistance. He emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to protect vulnerable populations and address the country’s deepening security and social crisis.

Haitian Diaspora Mobilizes to Develop Regional Airports Amid National Transport Crisis

Amid ongoing insecurity and the near-total paralysis of land transportation in Haiti, regional leaders and diaspora communities have launched initiatives to develop airport infrastructure in the South, Southeast, and Artibonite departments. With the FAA’s restrictions on flights to Port-au-Prince following the events of November 2024, and with Toussaint Louverture International Airport largely inaccessible, Cap-Haïtien remains the only functional international gateway. These conditions have prompted urgent efforts to restore connectivity and stimulate regional economic development.

In Artibonite, a site in Bonal, Anse-Rouge, has been identified for a 3,000-meter runway. Planning teams are currently compiling technical, environmental, and economic data to finalize a long-term master plan. In Jacmel, efforts are underway to expand an existing runway and upgrade the facility to meet international standards, though limited terrain and lack of infrastructure remain challenges. Civil engineers have emphasized the need for environmental assessments and structural evaluations to determine the airport’s capacity and long-term viability.

In Les Cayes, plans to internationalize Antoine Simon Airport, first proposed in 2010, were relaunched in March 2025. The government has since approved the expansion to 400 hectares and secured a $100 million commitment from the Inter-American Development Bank. A consortium including Haitian and French firms has been formed to oversee construction and operations under a public-private model.

During a public forum hosted by Radio Télé Métropole, regional representatives emphasized the importance of coordinated planning and collaboration. Economist Kesner Pharel urged integration of infrastructure development with long-term regional economic strategies and cited the Dominican Republic’s airport network as a model for growth.

Despite delays, these projects represent a shift toward decentralization and self-driven development, as regions and diaspora communities work to reestablish critical transport infrastructure and reduce reliance on Port-au-Prince.

Competing Visions for Haiti: The OAS Roadmap and the Call for Security-Centered Intervention

At the first meeting of the Group of Friends of Haiti held in Washington on July 30, 2025, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, presented a comprehensive roadmap intended to guide international engagement in Haiti. Developed in response to Resolution 3039 of the OAS General Assembly, the roadmap proposes a five-pillar strategy estimated at $1.3 billion, covering security stabilization and peace restoration, humanitarian assistance, political consensus, electoral legitimacy, and sustainable development.

The proposed funding breakdown includes $908.2 million allocated for humanitarian response, $96 million for security stabilization, $5.1 million for political consensus, and $104.1 million for electoral processes. While the roadmap emphasizes sequenced and integrated actions with local ownership and respect for human rights, Haitian authorities have expressed concern over the prioritization of humanitarian funding over security restoration.

Speaking at the same meeting, Haiti’s Ambassador to the OAS, Myrtha Désulmé, offered a critical perspective on the document. She underscored that the Haitian government considers the restoration of security and state authority as the most urgent and non-negotiable prerequisite for any successful political or developmental initiative. Drawing attention to the deteriorating security conditions, Désulmé stated that 90 percent of Port-au-Prince remains under the control of armed gangs, with public servants forced to vacate government buildings due to persistent threats. She warned that gangs continue to expand their influence into the Artibonite and Centre departments, and that existing national security forces, even with the support of the under-equipped Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), remain incapable of reversing the tide.

Ambassador Désulmé called for a reassessment of the resource allocation in the roadmap, noting that robust and well-equipped support is needed to neutralize armed groups. She emphasized that the success of Haiti’s political transition, the safe distribution of humanitarian aid, the organization of credible elections, and the attraction of investment all depend on a prior and effective restoration of security. The ambassador also highlighted the longstanding impact of arms embargoes and legislative restrictions, such as the Leahy Law, which have limited Haiti’s ability to equip and professionalize its police and military forces.

She advocated for specialized and advanced anti-guerrilla training, the development of institutional training capacity, and the provision of modern equipment such as scanners and surveillance tools to secure ports of entry. According to Désulmé, aid strategies must transition from short-term dependency models to capacity-building frameworks that empower national institutions. In her remarks, she criticized the cycle of foreign assistance that has left Haiti in prolonged states of poverty and dependency, calling instead for a paradigm shift focused on economic revitalization, institutional strengthening, and local empowerment.

The roadmap presented by Secretary General Ramdin aims to build political consensus and legitimacy through structured dialogue, leading to elections in 2026. Its six guiding principles emphasize Haitian leadership, community focus, international coordination, accountability, and respect for human rights. The roadmap also outlines mechanisms for implementation, including the establishment of a high-level mission, exploratory dialogue, and public consultations.

However, there is uncertainty regarding the roadmap’s political implications beyond February 7, 2026, the deadline set for Haiti’s transitional governance. While the roadmap sets a framework through 2028 for sustainable development, its immediate success is contingent upon local support and the alignment of its priorities with those of Haitian authorities.

Historically, the OAS has played an influential role in Haiti’s political processes, including support for transitional governments and electoral observation missions. Despite this legacy, previous interventions have produced limited long-term outcomes. The current roadmap, therefore, must reconcile the need for urgent humanitarian relief with the imperative of restoring public security and institutional functionality.

Ambassador Désulmé’s remarks reflect a broader concern among Haitian officials that international approaches often emphasize emergency relief without addressing the foundational security challenges that have paralyzed governance and economic recovery. The ambassador called upon member states with the capacity to strengthen the MSS and contribute directly to rebuilding Haiti’s security apparatus.

The unfolding dialogue between the Haitian government and the OAS underscores a tension between externally driven humanitarian frameworks and national security imperatives. The success of the roadmap and broader international engagement will depend on whether international actors are willing to recalibrate their strategies to reflect Haitian-defined priorities. If implemented through inclusive, locally led processes, this roadmap could contribute to a more stable and accountable political transition. Absent such alignment, it risks reproducing patterns of externally imposed solutions that have historically failed to yield sustainable results.

Escalating Violence and Displacement Deepen Haiti’s Food Insecurity Crisis

The July 2025 bulletin from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) highlights a severe deterioration in food security across Haiti, driven by ongoing institutional collapse and intensified gang violence that began in March 2025. The capital, along with the Artibonite and Centre departments, remains particularly affected.

While the spring harvest during June and July provided temporary relief for rural households by allowing limited access to self-produced food, this improvement is expected to be short-lived. Between July and December 2025, food insecurity is projected to worsen due to continued violence, which has disrupted income-generating activities, restricted access to agricultural land, and hindered the normal functioning of markets.

Internally displaced persons living in temporary settlements, as well as impoverished households in gang-affected areas, are among the most vulnerable. These populations are concentrated in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, Bas-Artibonite, and the Centre department, with additional concern for vulnerable groups in the West, Northwest, and Grand'Anse departments.

Since March, gang violence has expanded into the Centre department, with armed groups launching attacks in the communes of Mirebalais, Saut-d'Eau, and most recently, Lascahobas. These incidents have triggered additional waves of displacement, forcing many to seek shelter in communes such as Hinche, Belladère, and parts of the North.

By June 2025, the total number of displaced persons had risen to nearly 1.3 million, reflecting a 24 percent increase since December 2024. A particularly acute displacement event occurred on July 16, when assaults by the Kokorat sans ras gang in the Artibonite, specifically in Dessalines and Verrettes, forced nearly 15,000 individuals to flee. Most of these individuals are now living with host families or in overcrowded urban shelters that lack basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and food.

The return of approximately 136,000 Haitians from January to June 2025 has further strained local communities. Of those repatriated, 98 percent were expelled from the Dominican Republic, while others returned from the United States, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many of these returnees face limited employment opportunities, pushing some youth toward gang involvement and further exacerbating the cycle of violence and instability.

Commercial activity across the country has also been severely disrupted. Armed groups have asserted control over major supply corridors, including National Routes 1 and 2, imposing tolls that hinder the transport of essential goods and reduce access to food. The disruption of formal and informal markets has deeply affected the national economy, where commerce accounts for nearly two-thirds of total activity.

In Port-au-Prince, major marketplaces such as Croix-des-Bossales remain largely inoperative. Retailers have been forced to relocate to relatively safer areas including Pétion-Ville and Delmas. Farmers have struggled to move produce into the capital, resulting in elevated transportation costs and reduced profit margins. This disruption, coupled with inflation and declining supply, has kept staple food prices exceptionally high.

During the first half of 2025, food inflation exceeded 31 percent year-on-year, surpassing overall inflation, which fluctuated between 20 and 30 percent. In this context, economic access to food has become increasingly difficult, particularly for urban poor households whose earnings have been drastically reduced. Areas most affected include Port-au-Prince, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Delmas, along with rural zones where gangs control trade and transport routes.

Although July marks the harvest period in departments such as Sud, Grand'Anse, Nord, Artibonite, and Nippes, the limited gains from local production have not been sufficient to reverse the broader trends of food insecurity. Without immediate improvements in security and economic stability, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains deeply concerning.

Turks and Caicos Suspends Work Permits and Visas for Haitian Nationals Amid Security Concerns

In response to heightened national security risks and a growing influx of immigration applications, the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has announced the immediate suspension of work permits and visas for Haitian nationals. Prime Minister Charles Washington Misick made the announcement during a national press conference, stating that the six-month moratorium is a direct response to escalating violence in Haiti and recent incidents of gang-related activity on the islands.

Effective immediately, the suspension applies to all first-time work permit and visa applications submitted by Haitian nationals. Prime Minister Misick emphasized that the temporary measure is necessary to safeguard public safety and to preserve the integrity of the country’s immigration system.

The decision follows a series of violent events, including the July 21 fatal shooting of two young individuals and the territory’s first known mass shooting, which occurred in the early hours of July 27 at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway. The latter incident, which left three dead and ten injured, has been linked to rival Haitian gang members and has raised significant public concern. Local authorities have since issued a wanted notice for a suspect connected to the events.

“This pause will allow us to develop and implement a more rigorous screening process for applicants, thereby ensuring the integrity of our immigration system and strengthening national security,” said Prime Minister Misick. He further noted that the suspension aligns with the government’s broader objective of introducing a quota-based work permit framework in the near future.

The moratorium will remain in effect for six months while authorities work to refine immigration procedures and assess long-term policy solutions to address security challenges.

Escalating Violence in Haiti Disproportionately Impacts Women and Girls Amid Underfunded Humanitarian Response

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised serious concerns regarding the worsening impact of gang-related violence in Haiti, particularly on women and girls. Armed group activity in the Artibonite, West, and Central departments has triggered widespread displacement and a collapse of essential services, disproportionately affecting female populations.

According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 45,000 individuals have been displaced since June in the Artibonite and Central regions alone, with women accounting for 55% of those forced to flee. The total number of displaced persons in these two departments has now reached nearly 240,000.

Despite the urgent need for support, the humanitarian response remains critically underfunded. Only 8% of the nearly $29 million funding appeal launched by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been secured. Nevertheless, under OCHA’s coordination, UNFPA and its partners have continued delivering essential services, reaching more than 12,600 individuals with sexual and reproductive health care and gender-based violence assistance between June and July.

OCHA emphasizes the need for immediate and sustained international support to address the growing humanitarian needs of women and girls impacted by Haiti’s deepening security crisis.

Haitian-American Businessman Arrested in United States for Alleged Financial Support to Designated Gang Leader Jimmy Chérizier

Bazile Richardson, a Haitian-born U.S. resident and trucking company owner living in North Carolina, was arrested on July 23, 2025, in Houston, Texas, on charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. U.S. federal authorities allege that Richardson financed Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue,” the leader of the Viv Ansanm criminal federation, which was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States in May 2025.

According to an indictment filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia (case 4:25-mj-453), Richardson coordinated an international financial network from December 2020 to January 2025. The operation reportedly involved individuals in the United States, Haiti, and other countries, and relied on money transfer services and intermediaries to obscure transactions and evade U.S. Treasury sanctions targeting Chérizier.

Federal prosecutors presented voice memos and written messages indicating that Richardson was aware of the sanctions regime and instructed contributors to avoid referencing Chérizier’s organization when transferring funds. The indictment alleges that Richardson actively solicited financial contributions from members of the Haitian diaspora through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, with the intention of supporting Chérizier’s efforts to destabilize the Haitian government.

Court documents state that Richardson pledged to finance all of Chérizier’s operational needs, including the acquisition of firearms, ammunition, equipment, vehicles, and other logistical resources. Investigators described him as a close associate of Chérizier and a central figure in sustaining the gang’s financial infrastructure.

The FBI began its investigation in mid-2022. A federal arrest warrant was issued on July 17, and Richardson was taken into custody six days later. During a detention hearing on July 29 in Houston, he was remanded without bond, and his case has since been transferred to federal court in Washington, D.C.

If convicted, Richardson could become one of the first Haitian-American individuals prosecuted under U.S. counterterrorism statutes for financially supporting a sanctioned gang leader. The case signals a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to dismantle transnational support networks for violent armed groups operating in Haiti.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Labadee Stops Through October 2025

Royal Caribbean International has extended the suspension of cruise ship visits to Labadee, its private beach destination in northern Haiti, due to ongoing security concerns. Originally halted in April 2025 amid escalating gang violence in the country, the cruise line had initially planned to resume visits in early August. However, a new advisory sent to travel agents this week confirms that the suspension will now remain in effect until at least October 31, 2025.

In an official statement, Royal Caribbean said, “We continue to monitor the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As a precautionary measure, we are extending the cancellation of our scheduled stops in Labadee through the end of October.”

Resumed Bus Service from Port-de-Paix to Port-au-Prince Overshadowed by Gang-Controlled Road Extortion

After nearly three years of halted operations, bus service has resumed along the critical route connecting Port-de-Paix to Port-au-Prince. While this development has brought a sense of relief to many, the road remains under the firm control of armed gangs who extort steep ransom payments in exchange for safe passage.

Public transportation along the 140-mile corridor was suspended in 2021, when criminal groups took control of key segments of National Roads No. 1 and No. 5. These gangs established armed checkpoints, frequently attacked vehicles, kidnapped passengers, and disrupted regional trade. Although service has now resumed, the journey is fraught with danger and financial burden.

Transport operators, driven by economic desperation, are once again navigating the route, but only after paying between four hundred and three thousand dollars per one-way trip. These ransom fees are now a defining element of mobility between the northwest and the capital. Drivers report that payments allow them to proceed without incident, but the fear remains constant.

Passengers describe traveling as a deeply stressful experience. Many recount how each gang checkpoint creates moments of intense anxiety, as heavily armed men surround vehicles and collect fees while travelers silently hope the interaction ends peacefully.

Armed groups such as Ti Bwadòm, an affiliate of the Kokorat San Ras federation, and Gran Grif, based in L’Estère, now control virtually all access points between northern Haiti and Port-au-Prince. Their territorial dominance spans key zones including Gros-Morne on National Road No. 5 and La Croix Périsse, Duvivier, and Canaan on National Road No. 1. These locations serve as strategic choke points where unauthorized “toll booths” have been set up to extort money from all types of vehicles.

In some instances, ransom is calculated per passenger, reaching twenty dollars per individual. A full minibus may owe over three hundred dollars at a single checkpoint, with additional tolls collected at multiple locations along the route. Larger buses and freight trucks face significantly higher costs, ranging from one thousand to three thousand dollars per journey.

These illegal tolls have contributed to sharp increases in the cost of goods. Merchants and business owners report that transportation expenses have tripled, forcing them to raise prices on essential items including food, fuel, and household supplies. Some transport companies are still repaying loans taken before the crisis, while struggling to remain operational. The violence and instability have also affected migration patterns. Transport workers note a significant rise in passengers fleeing Port-au-Prince for safer northern towns, reversing the typical rural-to-urban flow seen in recent years.

In the absence of government control, gangs have institutionalized extortion as a de facto system of road governance. These fees apply to all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, and often double for round trips. Compliance is viewed as necessary to avoid violence and loss of life. Many Haitians believe that restoring security on national roads is essential to stabilizing the country. Until then, public transportation remains a system shaped by fear, extortion, and armed control, rather than by public service or rule of law.