Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced early Tuesday, March 12, 2024, that he would resign once a transitional presidential council is created. Photo: BBC NEWS

Gangs now control 80% of Haiti’s capital, according to United Nations estimates, and continue to fight for the rest. Photo: AP/Odelyn Joseph

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley had said his administration will remain engaged with CARICOM, the UK and other Overseas Territories on the situation in Haiti that affects the [British] Virgin Islands and other CARICOM Associate Members. Photo: GIS

Mr Henry, a neurosurgeon, and politician, bowed to international pressure to save the country overwhelmed by violent gangs that some experts say have unleashed a low-scale civil war.

The announcement came hours after officials including Caribbean leaders and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Jamaica on Monday, March 11, 2024, to urgently discuss a solution to halt Haiti's spiralling crisis and agreed to a joint proposal to establish a transitional council.

Mr Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico after being prevented by armed gangs from returning home.

Installation of a ‘council’ must come first- PM Henry

"The government that I'm running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation. There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country," Henry said in a videotaped statement. "The government I'm running will remove itself immediately after the installation of the council."

It wasn't immediately clear who would be chosen to lead Haiti out of the crisis in which heavily armed gangs have burned police stations, attacked the main airport and raided two of the country's biggest prisons. The raids resulted in the release of more than 4,000 inmates.

"I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible," Mr Henry said in a video address announcing his resignation.

Scores of people have been killed, and more than 15,000 are homeless after fleeing neighbourhoods raided by gangs. Food and water are dwindling as stands and stores selling to impoverished Haitians run out of goods.

Mr Henry had led the country on a supposedly interim basis since July 2021, following former President Jovenel Moïse's assassination, but had repeatedly postponed elections - saying security had to be restored first.

Many Haitians questioned the length of his unelected governance and Mr Henry's resignation had been one of the key demands of the heavily armed gangs that have recently tightened their grip on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haitian PM agreed to General Election no later than August 2025- Premier Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley had said his administration will remain engaged with CARICOM, the UK and other Overseas Territories on the situation in Haiti that affects the [British] Virgin Islands and other CARICOM Associate Members.

In a March 1, 2024, update on his recently concluded 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Dr Wheatley said the deteriorating situation on Hait was one of the first issues addressed by CARICOM Heads and high-level representatives from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), France, Canada and United Nations (UN).

He said agreement was subsequently found with the Prime Minister of Haiti on holding a General Election no later than August 2025.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Haiti has since deteriorated even further, even as international efforts are being redoubled to mobilise an international force to help stabilize security on the ground.

“Everyone has agreed that the situation must be urgently addressed to stop the suffering of the Haitian people. That very suffering is what has caused so many Haitians to flee from their home by very dangerous means in the hope of finding a better life. Many have made the dangerous journey across the waters right here to the Virgin Islands. Sadly, in the process some of our Haitian brothers and sisters lost their lives along the way.”

Treat our Haitian brothers & sisters with humanity’- Premier Wheatley

Premier Wheatley also said it must be recognised that until conditions on the ground are stable in Haiti, the Virgin Islands and other places throughout the Caribbean will have to cope with the outflow of Haitians fleeing Haiti for safety, security and a livelihood by which to survive.

“Here in the Virgin Islands we must treat our Haitian brothers and sisters with the humanity they deserve,” Dr Wheatley had stated.