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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- The Organization of American States has intensified its support to Haiti following the visit of a technical mission to the member state.

Led by Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, the delegation included representatives of the Inter American System including PAHO, PADF, IICA and other agencies, as well as representatives of the OAS Departments of Political Affairs, Security, Trade and Development and senior political advisors.

During the two day visit, Ramdin and his delegation held meetings with President Michel Martelly, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, the Foreign Minister, Pierre-Richard Casimir, and the ministers of trade, tourism, agriculture, social affairs, justice and public security.

In the course of the meetings the OAS and government ministers examined the range of projects being carried out by the OAS in Haiti and proposed mechanisms for increasing the impact and effectiveness to benefit the people of Haiti.

The OAS delegation also proposed new projects to assist the government in the areas of trade, investment, security, social affairs and development. Senior government ministers are expected to travel to Washington, DC in early 2013 to meet with international partners on Martelly’s vision and strategic plan for investment in Haiti.

Ramdin and his delegation also held meetings with the president of the Senate and the president of the House of Deputies, as well as members of the international community, including the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

He met also with the secretary of state for persons with disabilities and addressed the government and people of Haiti during a major governmental forum on the reintegration into society of persons with disabilities. Approximately ten percent of Haiti’s population lives with disabilities following the earthquake of 2010. The OAS and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered with the government of Haiti to ensure the right to equal opportunity for disabled persons in employment, education and other areas.

According to Ramdin, “We believe in a comprehensive approach to development in Haiti. In this regard, we hope that the government will work with all stakeholders to ensure that stability continues. To this end, we are looking forward to the holding of partial senate elections which are overdue.”

During the visit to Haiti, the delegation also took time to visit the Ste Trinite music school where a financial donation was made to support the school for one year. The group also visited the Hospital Maternite Isaie Jeanty which provides crucial health services to mothers and babies in Citie Soleil.

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