Peter Wickham warns Haiti crisis threatens regional stability
Political analyst Peter Wickham has joined calls for urgent action to resolve Haiti’s deepening crisis, warning that the instability could have serious consequences for the wider Caribbean.
Speaking on state media just days after World Democracy Day on 15 September, Wickham said the region must adopt a comprehensive and united approach to Haiti’s plight, echoing concerns recently raised by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
“The Prime Minister is right,” Wickham said. “What’s happening in Haiti can spread, and I think that the lawlessness, the belief that this is an alternative way and that this is a way to get things done, is something that can spread.”
He noted Haiti’s historic role as the first successful Caribbean revolution against slavery, arguing that its current turmoil could once again serve as an inspiration—this time for lawlessness rather than liberation.
Wickham also warned that a refugee crisis could become a pressing issue for neighbouring states.
“A number of Haitians will be washing up on their shores,” he said, citing Antigua and Barbuda’s proximity. “The capacity to support the thousands of people that could potentially turn up around the region from Haiti is problematic.”
The comments follow another surge of violence in Haiti, where more than 40 people were killed last weekend in Labodrie, a small village between Arcahaie and Cabaret.
Local officials said armed groups linked to the “Viv Ansanm” coalition opened fire indiscriminately, accusing residents of being police informants. At least 42 bodies, including children, were recovered, according to a provisional report. Witnesses said homes were set ablaze in retaliation for the death of gang leader Vladimyr Pierre, known as “Vlad,” who was killed in clashes with police earlier this month.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres condemned the killings, offering condolences to the victims’ families and urging Haitian authorities to pursue justice.
He appealed to member states to accelerate support for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), stressing the need for resources, personnel, and funding to bolster Haiti’s National Police in tackling gang violence in line with international human rights law.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Antigua and the rest of CARICOM need to wake up. If refugees start coming in large numbers, it will overwhelm our small economies.
The UN keeps talking about mission and support but where the real action,? It was a bigger country crisis, they would’ve moved long time. Haiti deserves better…believe me.
This is heartbreaking. Haiti has suffered so much, and now innocent people are being massacred. The Caribbean must come together with one voice to demand real solutions, not just speeches from the international community.
Something really needs to be done about Haiti. We just keep talking but no action so far only Kenya has lived up to their commitment to send troops on the ground. What are the other countries doing
Even though things look dark, Haiti always had strong people. With the right help and leadership, they can rise again just like they did in history
To much bloodshed it’s been going on for too long,in anyway Antigua could help I’m all for it.No more deaths young lives going in the dust it’s sad to read about
The Haitians know what they’re fighting for they’re known for their revolts,I’m sorry for what’s going on but who feels it knows it they went threw alot and want their rights
Wickham is right if Haiti continues down this road, the ripple effects will not stop at their borders. Antigua and the wider Caribbean need to be proactive, not reactive. We can’t wait until the refugee boats start landing to act.