Haiti News Updates: Influencers, Health Initiatives, and Diplomatic Appointments

The latest updates from Haiti include accusations against five TikTok influencers for receiving gifts from a gang leader, discussions on health initiatives with Taiwanese cooperation, a sizable security operation targeting criminal groups, the commencement of airport renovations in Les Cayes, Paraguay’s diplomatic appointment to Haiti, and the honoring of Reggie Fils-Aimé by the American Embassy.

Five Haitian TikTok influencers residing in the United States have been mentioned in a United Nations report regarding drug and crime activities in Haiti. The individuals, identified as Tatie Mendel, Parolla, Belle-Enfant, Trapalman, and Commandant, allegedly received gifts from gang leader Renel Destina, known as “Ti Lapli.” The report was dated February 6, 2025.

In the realm of health, Bertrand Sinal, the Minister of Public Health, engaged in discussions with Taiwanese Ambassador Cheng-Hao Hu. The purpose of this meeting was to review the progress on several projects, including the opening of a hospital financed by Taiwanese funding in Terrier-Rouge and preparations for a new cancer center.

Emmanuel Vertilaire, Presidential Advisor, announced a major security initiative aimed at curbing the influence of criminal organizations in the country. The National Palace’s security units have conducted operations over the past weekend, resulting in several criminals being neutralized, with promising developments expected soon.

Renovation efforts have commenced at the Antoine Simon airport in Les Cayes, which will restore 1,370 meters of runway and extend it by an additional 500 meters. Improvements will also be made to passenger services at the facility, with the company Vorbe et Fils overseeing the project.

President Santiago Peña of Paraguay has appointed Raúl Alberto Florentín Antola as the non-resident Ambassador to Haiti. Florentín is stationed at the Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C.

On a celebratory note, the American Embassy in Haiti honored Reggie Fils-Aimé on the last day of Black History Month on February 28. Fils-Aimé, a prominent businessman of Haitian descent and former Director of Operations at Nintendo of America, has made significant contributions since his birth to Haitian parents in the Bronx in 1961.

In summary, recent news from Haiti highlights important developments involving alleged ties between social media influencers and gangs, ongoing health cooperation with Taiwan, significant security operations, airport renovations, diplomatic appointments, and the recognition of notable Haitian-American achievements. These developments not only paint a picture of the current socio-political landscape but also underscore ongoing efforts for progress and reform in Haiti.

Original Source: www.haitilibre.com