From Caribbean National Weekly

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated the Government and People of Haiti as they celebrate the country’s 212th anniversary of independence anniversary on January 1.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in his congratulatory message to President Michel Martelly, paid tribute to “the solidarity, strength and unity of the Haitian people”, which he said “continued to inspire the Community”.

“We are all aware of the significance of Haiti’s independence 212 years ago and its effect on shaping our modern world, it is in how the Haitian people continue to persevere in the face of adversity that we are most encouraged… Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to CARICOM”, he added.

Noting that he expected Haitians at home and abroad to celebrate the occasion with the usual culturally rich environment for which it is known.

“Of course, having experienced and enjoyed a very successful CARIFESTA XII in Haiti last August, I can now most certainly speak from first-hand knowledge of your rich and diverse culture.”
In reiterating the Caribbean Community’s support, the Secretary-General extended his best wishes for the continued advancement of Haiti and for the well being of its people.

Haiti gained independence from France on January 1, 1804 and made history by becoming the first black republic in the world and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery.

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/featured/caricom-congratulates-haiti-on-212th-independence-anniversary/