The U.S. Department of State has issued a red alert for Haiti and is urging Americans to leave the country as soon as possible.
In a warning notice posted on its website, a copy of which was sent to the Caribbean Television Network, the U.S. Department of State issues a strong and unequivocal call to American citizens intending to travel to Haiti: “Do not travel to Haiti,” warns the U.S. Department of State.
This decision has been taken “due to kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and the inadequate healthcare infrastructure,” as stated in the notice.
For those currently in Haiti, the U.S. government is very clear in its message.
“U.S. citizens in Haiti should consider departing Haiti now by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges,” stated the U.S. Department of State, which also advised its citizens to stay vigilant and informed through local media before leaving their residences in Haiti. “U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.”
The U.S. Department of State is taking this extraordinary measure at a time when all eyes are on the U.S. government in hopes of facilitating a resolution to the crisis. However, this may prove challenging given Washington’s inability to persuade the various political actors involved in the crisis.
In its statement sent to Caribbean Television Network, the U.S. Department of State notes that many American citizens have been victims of violence in Haiti.
“Kidnappings are common, and victims regularly include American citizens. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom, including American citizens, are common.”
For those who, despite this warning, are determined to take the risk, the U.S. government advises them to make their will and take the following measures before traveling to Haiti:
“Before going to a high-risk area, after careful consideration, if you decide to go to high-risk areas, we strongly encourage you to enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney,” the alert states.
Americans considering traveling to Haiti are also advised to “establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization; develop a communication plan with your family, employer, and host organization to monitor your safety and location; specify a key point of contact who you would contact first in case of an emergency; plan how they should share the information with the group; and identify key sources of assistance for you and your family in case of an emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department’s Office of American Citizen Services, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends and family in the high-risk area.”
They are also encouraged to “learn how to use your phone or other smart devices to share your location with your friends and family while you are abroad” and to “erase sensitive information like photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.”
The alert further advises individuals to “leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind.”
The U.S. Department of State has also provided some guidelines for those who might be subject to kidnapping:
“Plan now in case you are kidnapped. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, they will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care and custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc. Share important information like documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.”
For those seeking more information, they can contact the U.S. Embassy in Haiti at the following numbers: +(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900.
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(509) 2229-8000.
Fax: +(509) 2229-8027.
Email: acspap@state.gov.
In an interview with Caribbean Television Network, former U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote pointed to the historical responsibilities of the United States in destabilizing Haiti. He specifically criticized the blatant interference by the United States, which often chooses Haitian leaders instead of letting the Haitian people decide.
Daniel Foote is not the only former American official to denounce the United States’ role in Haiti’s woes.
In an interview with journalist Jason Johnson of Slate and MSNBC, former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa emphasized the deep involvement of the United States in Haiti’s troubles.
It’s important to note that Ariel Henry was installed as Prime Minister following a tweet by the then-U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Michele J. Sison, ignoring proposals from various vital sectors that had suggested a way out of the crisis.
Note: The quotes have been taken from the State Department note, which was translated into French. There may be slight differences from the original text. We strongly encourage you to read the original note by clicking on the link below.