President Ali says focus on Haitian crisis, ‘frank conversation’ on Cuba needed 

In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Dr Irfaan Ali turned the global spotlight to the Caribbean’s pressing crises, calling for decisive action in Haiti and a bold reassessment of Cuba’s situation.

His remarks went beyond national interest, positioning Guyana as a voice for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and a champion of solidarity for nations facing humanitarian, political, and developmental challenges.

Ali offered a stark diagnosis of Haiti’s troubles, calling the situation “one of the most pressing crises of our time.”

“Gun violence, displacement, and shortages of food and medicine have pushed Haiti into deepening despair,” he told the Assembly.

For decades, Haiti has struggled with political instability, natural disasters, economic collapse, and social unrest. But in recent years, violence — fuelled by gang activity, corruption, and a weak state — has escalated sharply.

Access to necessities has become perilous for many Haitians.

Ali stressed that restoring security was the priority. He called for strict enforcement of the UN arms embargo on Haiti, robust support for a UN-authorised mission to restore order, urgent humanitarian funding to address basic needs, and a Haitian-led political process to ensure lasting stability.

“Without urgent humanitarian funding and a Haitian-led and owned political process, stability will remain elusive,” Ali said.

He also addressed the deeper causes of Haiti’s fragility, highlighting its historic debt burdens that continue to hinder development. Ali referenced a recent statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who acknowledged that “making Haiti pay for its independence was unjust” — a view Ali described as “a welcome step” that must lead to meaningful debt relief.

Ali’s intervention reflects a growing chorus at the UN for stronger international engagement in Haiti. The Haitian crisis is seen not just as a Caribbean problem but as a global one, with migration flows, instability, and humanitarian needs spilling beyond the island.

Turning to Cuba, Ali said, “The time has come for a frank conversation on Cuba — one that would lead to prosperity for its people.”

The call came against a backdrop of decades of sanctions and diplomatic tensions, with Cuba’s economic crisis exacerbated by the embargo imposed by the United States and the country’s listing as a state sponsor of terrorism. These measures have limited Cuba’s access to markets, financing, and essential goods.

Ali argued that lifting the embargo and removing Cuba from the terrorism list would unlock its potential — for its citizens and for the wider region.

“Optimising the full potential Cuba offers to its people and the rest of the world requires removing these barriers,” he said.

He framed Cuba’s situation as both a matter of principle and regional solidarity, stressing that Caribbean and Latin American states must champion solutions that promote peace, democracy, and prosperity.

Ali also tied Cuba to broader regional challenges, pointing to the importance of fighting drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal migration — threats that impact security and stability across the Americas.

“We support the efforts of the international community to address these crimes that are destroying the lives of our people, especially young people,” he said.