Haiti News Update: Fiscal Challenges, Gang Activity, and More
The Haitian Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA) has announced a significant overrun in public debt repayment expenditures, totaling 22.5 billion gourdes for the last fiscal year. The court’s October 6 report indicates only 46.8% of planned government programs and projects were completed, while the Ministry of Justice and Public Security utilized just 3.3% of its allocated budget. Meanwhile, Haiti’s economy continues to struggle, showing a 2.7% decline in real GDP alongside a 31.9% inflation rate, with over 5.7 million people facing acute food insecurity. The CSC/CA has recommended enhancing transparency and better planning for public investments and resource allocation.
In a concerning development, a recent report by the United Nations Panel of Experts revealed that an active member of the Brooklyn gang, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, known as “Ti Gabriel,” is part of the new municipal commission in Cité Soleil. The panel expressed alarm over potential collusion between local officials and gangs in public institutions.
In the Northeast region, inspectors from the Departmental Directorate of Commerce and Industry (DDNE) have noted a shortage of propane gas. The DDNE is investigating the causes of this shortage and aims to find sustainable solutions to ensure access to this essential commodity for consumers while considering the interests of local businesses.
The second issue of the scientific journal Open Economic Law was launched on October 6. Gabriel Ronald, alongside Board Member Michèle Delerme and Hancy Pierre-Louis from the Bank of the Republic of Haiti’s Research and Development Fund, attended the event. This edition addresses various topics, including copyright protection, commercial leases, and international cooperation against money laundering. Articles are available for download in French.
Additionally, the organizing committee for the 2026 Dumarsais Estimé Tourism Excellence Award (PETDES 2026) has extended its nomination deadline to Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Candidates are being sought in various categories, including Leadership & Innovation and Community. The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 5, 2026.
In sports, Haiti’s national football team, the Grenadiers, has made progress in FIFA’s latest world rankings released on October 7, moving up four spots to 84th place with 1,280.91 points. The team currently ranks 6th in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), just behind Mexico, the United States, Canada, Panama, and Honduras.
