[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HAITI'S RECENT DIPLOMATIC ATTENTION--OPPORTUNITY FOR CARICOM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I stand before you today in recognition of 
CARICOM's participation in the recent Haiti Donor's Conference in April 
and urge them to take this opportunity to fully embrace Haiti as they 
transition into a country looking to reach its fullest potential.
  I introduce into the Record an article from the NY Carib News on June 
16, 2009, where Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of 
American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, urges CARICOM to provide greater 
support for Haiti.
  Most people would agree that Haiti is at a critical point in its 
history, receiving unprecedented diplomatic attention with visits from 
the U.N. Secretary General, U.S. Security Council, and the appointment 
of President Clinton as special U.N. envoy to Haiti. Now it is 
especially important that CARICOM live up to its moral obligation and 
provide Haiti with overwhelming support and commitment.
  The mentorship that CARICOM can provide to Haiti at this time is 
vital to Haiti's development into a country that is self-sustainable. 
The regional access and cultural commonality that CARICOM presents to 
the Haitians is one that should not be underscored.
  I must acknowledge that the contributions that CARICOM have already 
made to Haiti are well appreciated, but I am convinced that in this 
global economic climate, it is especially necessary for CARICOM to 
reach within itself to offer a renewed commitment to the good people of 
Haiti.
  At this time, I would like to urge CARICOM to look for additional 
ways to offer support to Haiti and provide them with the mentorship 
that is key to the country's success.

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