ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday said Haiti’s deteriorating security situation must be brought under control to allow free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic governance, as he addressed lawmakers at the inaugural Caribbean–EU Parliamentary Assembly.
Speaking before parliamentarians from the European Union and the Caribbean, Browne said the crisis in Haiti demonstrates that security, governance and development cannot be addressed in isolation.
“The situation of the country reminds us that security, governance, and development cannot be addressed in isolation,” Browne said.
He reaffirmed the Caribbean Community’s commitment to a Haitian-led solution, supported by sustained international engagement.
“The Caribbean remains committed to a legitimate, transparent and accountable Haitian-led path forward, supported by sustained international engagement,” he told the Assembly.
Browne said the immediate priority is restoring order to halt the suffering of the Haitian people and to create the conditions necessary for elections.
“The security situation must be brought under control to stop the suffering of the Haitian people, and to facilitate free and fair elections, at which time the democratic institutions of government must be fully restored,” he said.
He noted that the majority of European Union assistance to the Caribbean is directed toward Haiti, underscoring the scale of the crisis and its regional implications.
“The circumstances of Haiti must change, so that the country can rise up from its knees and stand up for itself and its responsibilities,” Browne added.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the opening of the first Caribbean–EU Parliamentary Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda, a three-day meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation under the Samoa Agreement.
Haiti has faced escalating gang violence, political instability and economic collapse, prompting regional and international calls for coordinated intervention and long-term governance reforms.
Browne said stability in Haiti is essential not only for its citizens but for broader regional security and development.