BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A search is currently underway to locate St. Kitts-Nevis’ Deputy Honourary Consul (DHC) to Haiti, who was reportedly kidnapped over the weekend in the French-speaking country.
This was confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzel Douglas, who explained to Freedom FM 106.5 that the Deputy is the father of the Honourary Consul in Haiti; noting that he was kidnapped on Saturday (Apr. 15) evening and the vehicle which bears Diplomatic License Plate registered to St. Kitts and Nevis was stolen.
Word broke on Saturday about the kidnapping but, according to Dr. Douglas, it was not confirmed until last evening, as the Honourary Consul was out of the country at the time of the incident.
Dr. Douglas was in meetings trying to get a better understanding of the situation and told Freedom FM that an official statement on the incident would be issued.
“The official statement from us to the Foreign Ministry in Haiti, that will be released in two hours,” Dr. Douglas noted.
Haiti has been in political turmoil for several of years and has seen a number of high profile killings and kidnapping in recent months.
Earthquakes, political assassinations, effects of hurricanes have all resulted in the country now seeing civil and political unrest. A number of areas within the island are being controlled by gang members who continue to cause problems for the Government.
CARICOM Leaders are trying their best to work with the Government in Port-Au-Prince to find a solution to the growing problem, which includes migrants fleeing via booths to southern islands.
But the current situation is a very delicate one where a life is currently at stake.
“We ask and support the Honourary Consul himself who has spoken with he authorities in Haiti, asking for the safe release of his father,” Dr. Douglas stated.
Information obtained up to last evening did not indicate that he was harmed, Dr. Douglas noted.
More as information becomes available.
