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Multiple nations are cautioning their inhabitants from journeying to Haiti, including the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada, due to the ongoing control of gangs in the country.
In the beginning of this month, criminal groups made an effort to seize control of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, and also illegally entered a port services terminal located nearby. Additionally, armed individuals have forcibly entered police stations throughout the country and released a large number of inmates from Haiti’s National Penitentiary.
Ariel Henry, who had been running the country as prime minister and acting president until he resigned on Tuesday amid international pressure, fled the country to Puerto Rico last week after he was refused entry into the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Dominican air, land and sea borders are closed to travellers.
What is the current state of airports and ports in Haiti?
No incoming flights are currently entering the country due to a closed international airport caused by the recent attacks. Additionally, a transitional government will be formed after Mr. Henry resigned on Monday. It is uncertain if cruise ships will still be making stops in the country, and one international port has already been shut down.
Typically, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines operate flights to the country but those operations have been suspended. All of the airlines have waived change fees for customers wanting to leave the country. It’s not clear when commercial flights may resume.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, two cruise lines, make a stop at Labadee, a private resort located about six hours from Port-Au-Prince. It is uncertain if these companies will continue to operate in the country given its current political situation. The Independent has contacted the companies for a statement.
in Canada
Canada has currently issued a state of emergency.
Haiti has announced a state of emergency effective until April 3rd. A nightly curfew is currently enforced in the capital from 6pm to 5am.
On Sunday, the US Department of State issued a security alert advising American citizens not to travel to the country.
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A protester showcases emotions at a rally opposing CARICOM’s response to the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
The statement stated that the current security situation in Haiti is uncertain and risky. They acknowledged that there are limited or no safe commercial methods of leaving Haiti at the moment. They encourage American citizens to utilize these options as they become accessible.
American individuals currently residing in the nation should be ready to remain in one location for a prolonged amount of time and contact the US embassy in Port-Au-Prince for support. It should be noted that the US government is unable to arrange transportation for individuals to leave the country.
The US armed forces evacuate personnel from the embassy.
During the weekend, United States military leaders initiated plans to remove non-essential personnel from the embassy. The German and European Union embassies also implemented similar procedures.
On March 7, 2024, demonstrators in Port-au-Prince, Haiti called for the prime minister, Ariel Henry, to step down from his position.
“The governments of the UK, Ireland, and Canada are recommending that their citizens refrain from visiting Haiti. However, individuals currently in the country should reach out to their closest diplomatic offices. The UK maintains an embassy in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Irish citizens are advised to contact the nation’s embassy in Washington DC.”
The Canadian consulate in Port-Au-Prince is currently not open, however, citizens can contact the office for urgent help.
Source: independent.co.uk
