T&T: Caricom cutting off its nose

The United States says it expects Caricom to recognise the interim Haitian government of Prime Minister Gerard Latortue but Caricom says there is no guarantee that would happen.

Deputy US State Department spokesman, Adam Areli, told the Express: "I think Caricom and the members of Caricom have been fairly outspoken on the matter but they have said they are willing to work with the government of Prime Minister Latortue so we have every expectation that Caricom will recognise the Haitian government. We expect that will happen."

The Jamaican government has already said it does not recognise the Haitian government and will not do so until a collective decision is made by Caricom which is expected to meet next week on the matter.

Meanwhile the Venezuelan government of President Hugo Chavez has announced that it also does not recognise the interim administration and has further offered Aristide asylum in Venezuela.

Chavez has also announced that as far as his government is concerned Aristide is still the President of Haiti.

What would it take, for once, for Caricom to make a decision that does not have to be delayed by a week? How does Caricom expect to be taken seriously if it will not move expeditiously? How can Caricom be regarded as having Haiti's best interests at heart if it takes action that will foster instability and upheaval in Haiti?