Haïti’s new government inaugurated: PM Conille vows bold action amid national challenges

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Presidential Transitional Council (TPC) inaugurated Prime Minister Garry Conille and his 14-member cabinet on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Villa d’Accueil in Musseau, just a few meters from the National Palace. The inaugural ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the nation watching with cautious optimism, the people of Haiti watch, hopeful that this new government can steer them toward a brighter future.

During his inauguration speech, Conille laid out a bold agenda, pledged swift action to tackle the problems that have troubled Haiti for years: widespread insecurity, persistent corruption, and the dire living conditions of its population.

“I commit before you, fellow citizens, to serve our nation with integrity, transparency, and dedication,” Conille declared, his voice resolute. “My government will work tirelessly to improve the living conditions of every Haitian. Together, we will build a more secure and prosperous future and restore the dignity of our people.”

Speaking in Haiti’s official languages, Creole and French, to ensure his message resonated with the entire nation, Conille painted a stark picture of the current reality. He highlighted the pervasive fear that grips the population, where movement is restricted, schools are closed, and violent gangs operate with impunity.

“We must not be ashamed to acknowledge that the country is sick, nor should we hide its problems, because they are severe,” Conille said. His words struck a chord, especially when he turned his focus to the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly the farmers who always bear the brunt of the nation’s hardships.

The newly inaugurated Prime Minister Garry Conille during his speech at Villa D’accueil on June 12, 2024. He promised to work tirelessly to improve the living conditions of Haitians, emphasizing the need for democracy, the rule of law and restoring dignity to the nation. Photo by Dieugo André for the Haitian Times 

Conille’s message was clear: Haiti cannot hope to recover without a foundation of democracy and the rule of law. “We must get the country back on its feet, but it cannot be done without democracy and the rule of law,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that security is the bedrock of any sustainable progress. Without it, he stressed, all efforts would be in vain. To that end, Conille promised that law enforcement agencies would be equipped with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively and with professionalism.

“Our police and soldiers must be well prepared to meet current security challenges,” he said, emphasizing the need for his ministers to embrace a culture of change and adapt to the evolving demands of governance.

As Conille and his cabinet take the helm, they do so with the heavy burden of Haiti’s aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity resting on their shoulders. The nation watches with cautious optimism, hopeful that this new government can steer them toward a brighter future.

Here are the prime minister, the 14 cabinet members and a snapshot of their career

Garry Conille, Prime Minister, also Minister of Interior and Local Authorities (MICT) 

Garry Conille is a former Prime Minister who served under President Michel Joseph Martelly from October 2011 to May 2012. He began his career in 1994 with the National Development Association in Haiti. In 1999, he worked as a public health specialist at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, in the Artibonite Department. Conille also held various significant roles at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including Deputy Representative in Haiti.

Antoine Augustin,  Minister of National Education and Professional Training (MENFP) and the Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC) 

Antoine Augustin, with a doctorate in sociology from the University of Liège, has served in key educational and governmental roles. He led Health Education at Grand-Goâve Hospital. From 1999 to 2003, Augustin directed the Secondary Education Directorate, focusing on pedagogical oversight and developing key educational materials. He also coordinated the Institutional Strengthening Project (PRI). Augustin also contributed to national policy development and collaborated with international bodies like Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UNICEF.

Georges Fils Brignol, Minister of Public Health and Population (MSPP).

Georges Fils Brignol is a seasoned public health professional with nine years of experience in program development, disease surveillance, and health education. His expertise includes primary healthcare, malaria service delivery, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Brignol has held significant roles at organizations like CDS Caravelles, Miracia Hospital, CMMB, MSH, and JSI. Despite his extensive experience, his recent appointment as Minister of Public Health has sparked controversy among health professionals questioning his educational qualifications.

Dominique Dupuy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs (MAEC), also Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHVE)

Dominique Dupuy served as Haiti’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. In this role, she was instrumental in advocating for Haiti’s cultural and educational interests on the global stage. Notably, she was pivotal in getting Haiti’s “Soup Joumou” recognized as a part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage. Recently, under her influence, Haiti secured a position on the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Ketleen Forestal, Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), also Minister of Planning and External Cooperation (MPCE)

Ketleen Florestal, an expert in economics and international affairs, holds a law degree from the State University of Haiti and has pursued advanced studies at Princeton, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins universities. between 1994 and 2004, she held key roles within Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, including Chief of Staff. At the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), she served as Deputy Director of Credit Control. With over 18 years of advisory experience at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), Florestal has focused on economic policies for Latin America and the Caribbean, including debt management for countries in fragile situations.

Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST)

Georges Wilbert Franck is an advocate for human rights, an experienced educator and a unionist with a strong involvement in Haiti’s educational sector. He holds a degree in Modern Literature from the Ecole Normale Supérieure of the State University of Haiti (ENS) and pursued Political Science at the National Institute of Management Administration and Advanced International Studies of the State University of Haiti (INAGHEI). 

Additionally, he obtained a Master’s degree in French Diffusion, Exchange, and International Cultural Cooperation from the University of Rouen in France in 2005. Currently, as a university professor, Georges also holds the position of Technician of Training and Development at the Ministry of National Education of Haiti, contributing significantly to the country’s educational development. In 2021, he decided to step down from his role as the head of coordination for the National Union of Normaliens and Educators of Haiti (UNNOEH).

Carlos Hercule, Minister of Justice and Public Security (MJSP)

Carlos Hercule, a trained lawyer, has held significant positions in Haiti’s public sector. Starting his career at the Port-au-Prince commune of Delmas’s town hall, Hercule shifted focus to his legal profession after an unsuccessful bid for magistrate. His career as a jurist earned him respect among peers, leading to his election as president of the Port-au-Prince Bar in 2011. Hercule served as Vice-President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) from 2016 to 2020.

Raphaël Hosty, Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MPTC)

Hosty is an engineer specializing in the study, execution, and management of drinking water networks. He has held various technical specialist engineering roles at the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA), including regional engineer of Artibonite and the North-West, production director, and technical director of the then Autonomous Metropolitan Drinking Water Plant (CAMEP). 

Additionally, Hosty gained valuable international experience through a traineeship in Germany, focusing on urban water supply, distribution, and treatment. His career at OREPA/West and DINEPA has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of water sanitation management.

Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils, Minister of Environment (ME) 

Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils is a trained civil engineer with almost thirty years of experience in the Ministry of the Environment, specializing in environment, climate change, disaster management, and humanitarian affairs. Over nearly thirty years (1994-2024), he served in the Ministry of the Environment in various capacities, including cabinet member, technical advisor, and independent consultant. He has held various influential positions, including Director of the Living Environment and Sanitation Department, Director of the Climate Change Department, and served as Focal Point for international environmental conventions and funds. 

He has also represented the Government of Haiti in collaborations with numerous international and regional organizations, including the UNDP, UNEP, IDB, World Bank, FAO, Caribbean Development Bank, Center of Caribbean Community on Climate Change (CCCCC), Caribbean Center for Disaster Management (CDEMA), French Development Agency (AFD), UNDRR, and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 

Vernet Joseph, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR)

Vernet Joseph has comprehensive knowledge of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development, gained from his prior roles as an agronomist engineer and natural resources expert within the institution. He has a wealth of experience in public administration, including serving as the Secretary of State for Agricultural Recovery during the presidency of Joseph Michel Martelly, as well as holding the position of Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Environment.

James Monazard, Minister of Environment (ME) and Tourism (MT)

James Monazard, a law graduate, has worked at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). Starting as the deputy director of the Industrial Control and Regulation Directorate, he steadily progressed to become the director general in 2021. His journey culminated in his appointment as the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. Monazard has held various important positions within both the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. With a legal background, he has also served in executive roles in the Legal Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and has prior experience at the National Port Authority (APN).

Niola Lynn Sarah Devalis Octavius, Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC)

Niola Lynn Sarah Devalis Octavius is the national coordinator of the women’s organization Kanari Fanm Eklere (KAFE) and advocates for women’s emancipation in Haiti. She previously served as the director of the Thomassin Sports Park. Octavius obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Management Science from Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, Morocco. She also holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the L’ Ouverture Institute for Diplomacy & Global Affairs (LIDGA) in Haiti. Octavius is the fourth woman to assume this position in Haiti’s history, following in the footsteps of Raymonde Rival, who held the office since 2021. 

*As of this writing, The Haitian Times was unable to find information about the Minister for the Status and Rights of Women, Marie Françoise Suzan, and the Minister of Defense, Jean-Marc Bernier Antoine 

Haitian Times journalist Jose Fletcher, along with the Haitian Times editors, contributed to the story and the Minister’s career highlights