**United Nations, New York** – This week, the international community is commemorating the deadly earthquake that struck the island of Haiti in 2010. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres led global memorials, stating, “This Sunday marks 15 years since a devastating earthquake claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti. The UN family lost 102 of our colleagues. We remember the victims and will continue to honour their legacy through our work.”
At the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis, led by H.E. Dr Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative/Ambassador, is honouring Haiti’s history of resilience by advocating for increased financing, security, and development. Ambassador Williams emphasized, “Haiti’s impact throughout history has enriched the Black experience from the Caribbean to America to Africa. We must now support Haiti as it continues to rebuild from natural disasters and insecurity. St. Kitts and Nevis and Haiti share a special bond, and we will use our voice and vote at the UN to ensure that our solidarity translates into measurable results for our neighbours.”
St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti and has utilized its chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM Caucus) in New York, along with its current chairmanship of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the United Nations, to elevate the discourse surrounding Haiti’s quest for peace and prosperity.
In his High-Level Week address at the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew emphatically reminded the world, “Saint Kitts and Nevis, alongside the Caribbean Community, firmly supports the work of the National Transitional Council as it strives to create an environment conducive to a multi-stakeholder political solution. Haiti has supported the downtrodden of the world, lighting the path toward freedom for many, and now the world must stand with Haiti—not because it is a place of sorrow, but because it remains a symbol of human endurance and defiance against injustice.
The establishment of the Multinational Security Support Mission signifies the Caribbean Community’s intent to usher in a new era for Haitian families—one where schools become places of learning, hospitals serve as places of healing, and markets are not strongholds for gangs but havens for community and prosperity. Haiti’s future is not only one of security but also one of sustainability, and we must rally to provide it with the peace it deserves.”
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. An estimated 3.5 million people were affected, with 220,000 lives lost and over 300,000 individuals injured. The overall losses and damage from the earthquake are estimated to be between US$7 billion and US$14 billion.