“We request that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris take another look at the systemic policy of the United States government towards Haiti and its people,” said Cranston City Councilmember Aniece Germain at a press conference held in front of Cranston City Hall on Thursday morning. Similar press conferences were held in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Arizona, through NHAEON, the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network.

NHAEON, in partnership with Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democrat, Florida) and leaders of the Haitian Diaspora, are requesting immediate action to assist the Republic of Haiti, which has been become a “total mess” since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last year, said Councilmember Germaine. “No steady institutions exist at all in Haiti.”

Councilmember Germaine and elected officials from across the United States are requesting that the Biden administration take immediate action on three key items:

• Appoint a new Haitian American special envoy to the Republic of Haiti
• Impose economic sanctions on bad actors
• Assign terrorist designation to bad actors

“Haiti needs immediate assistance, and NHAEON is committed to speaking and advocating for a change in US policy towards the people of Haiti,” says NHAEON Chairwoman Charnette Frederic in a press release. “We have been in numerous conversations with leaders and organizations throughout the Haitian diaspora who believe our United States government can encourage all stakeholders to support Haitian-led solutions.”

Councilmember Germaine was joined by Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins and Representative Gregg Amore (Democrat, District 65, East Providence). Representative Amore is running for the office of Rhode Island Secretary of State.

Councilmember Germaine briefly answered questions, and asked that the public call Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation so that they might be able to advocate to the Biden administration about these requests. Phone numbers below

United States Representative District 1 David Cicilline (202) 225-4911
United States Representative District 2 James Langevin (401) 732-9400
United States Senator Jack Reed (401) 943-3100
United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (202) 224-2921