Business sector representative Laurent Saint-Cyr was officially installed on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as the new Coordinator of Haiti’s Presidential Transition Council (CPT), succeeding Fritz Alphonse Jean.
The handover ceremony, modest yet symbolic, took place at the Council’s headquarters in the presence of government officials, diplomatic representatives, and members of civil society.
From his very first address, Laurent Saint-Cyr set a clear tone. The businessman and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham) did not mince words: “This is chaos. This is not the time for lofty speeches, but for concrete action.” He issued a direct call to break with inertia and respond to the country’s growing emergency.
In a concise and unembellished speech, the new CPT coordinator painted a stark picture of the national situation: widespread insecurity, paralyzed public institutions, and a daily life that has become unbearable for millions of Haitians. “Too many dead, too much blood spilled. We must act swiftly to stop the criminals who are tormenting the population,” he stated in a solemn tone.
Saint-Cyr stressed that the transition should not be seen as a mere political interlude. In his view, it must serve a clear purpose: restoring order, rebuilding national institutions, and guiding the country toward credible elections, in accordance with the April 3, 2024 agreement that established the CPT.
Although he has no background in politics, Saint-Cyr said he intends to leverage his experience in the private sector to promote a culture of discipline, planning, and results. “My role is to facilitate dialogue among Council members, ensure coordination with the government, and make sure that concrete actions are taken for the benefit of the population,” he explained.
This approach suggests a push for greater effectiveness and compromise within a Council often perceived as fragmented and hindered by internal rivalries.
Saint-Cyr’s arrival comes at a critical juncture. On the ground, the Haitian National Police is struggling to contain gang violence, which continues to terrorize several neighborhoods in the capital and across other departments. Public distrust in authorities remains high, and skepticism toward the transition process is widespread.
Still, some observers believe Saint-Cyr’s profile could prove beneficial. His close ties to the business community may help facilitate technical and financial partnerships to support urgently needed recovery efforts.
A Call for National Awakening?
As Haiti sinks deeper into a prolonged crisis, Laurent Saint-Cyr’s remarks have been interpreted by some as a call for collective mobilization. He urged political actors, civil society, the diaspora, and international partners to rally around a shared goal: saving what remains of the Haitian state.
The road ahead will be difficult. Yet for many, the new coordinator’s tone and technocratic profile offer a glimmer of hope—provided that promises of action are swiftly followed by tangible initiatives in a country where time is running out.
