June 9, 2024
Haiti's New Prime Minister Garry Conille Hospitalized Days After Selection
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Haiti's newly appointed prime minister, Garry Conille, was hospitalized on June 8, 2024 in Port-au-Prince just days after being selected to lead the country. The reason for his hospitalization remains unclear.
Conille previously served as Haiti's prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under then President Michel Martelly. He was chosen as prime minister on May 28, following a convoluted selection process. His tenure comes at a critical time for the country, which is preparing for the U.N.-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force to quell widespread gang violence.
The hospitalization of Conille has raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead Haiti during this transitional period. According to reports, he was feeling unwell following a week of intense activities and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. High-ranking officials, including Frantz Elbé, director of Haiti's National Police, and Bruno Maes, UNICEF's representative in Haiti, were observed entering the hospital.
Conille arrived in Haiti on June 1 after working outside the country as UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. He has been meeting with multiple officials and visiting various parts of Port-au-Prince since his arrival, including touring Haiti's main international airport and meeting with leaders of the private business sector.
The hospitalization comes as Conille faces disagreements with the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) over staffing for his new cabinet. He insists on filling top positions with his chosen candidates, while the CPT has presented their own lists of names for job positions. This clash could potentially hinder Conille's ability to effectively lead and implement policies during this critical time in Haiti's history.
The overall score for each source article is as follows:
- CBS News: 99.75
- NBC News: 97.25
- AP News: 97.25
- Haitian Times: 91.75