Secretary of State Colin Powell said during a CARICOM meeting on February 7, 2002 that it was impossible to release $200 million to Haiti in light of the political turmoil facing the Caribbean nation. The funds are being withheld by the Inter-American Development Bank because of concerns about electoral irregularities and human rights abuses under the government of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Leaders of the Caribbean community were disappointed as they felt the US should do more for Haiti, commenting that security and stability can only come from economic development.

News Stories:

"La Caricom et Washington en désaccord sur Haïti,"
Haiti En March (Haiti), February 13, 2002

"Citing Strife, U.S. Delays Two Loans to Haitians,"
The New York Times, February 8