CNN
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday the punishment of former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe for the alleged misuse of tens of millions of dollars.
In a statement, Blinken said the designation for his involvement in significant corruption would make Lamothe, who also serves as minister for planning and foreign cooperation, “generally ineligible for entry into the United States.”
“In particular, Lamothe used at least $60 million from the Haitian government’s PetroCaribe infrastructure and social welfare fund for private gain. Through this corrupt practice and his direct involvement in the management of the fund, he abused his role as a public official and contributed to the current instability in Haiti,” said Blinken.
PetroCaribe, a deal with Venezuela, temporarily provided the Haitian government with cheap fuel. However, it has built up and been embroiled in a scandal over the alleged mismanagement of resulting funds, with claims of corruption sparking many protests in recent years.
Blinken said the designation is part of “a series of actions that promote accountability for those who incite violence, block life-saving humanitarian support, and enrich themselves at the expense of the people.” Haitian.”
The announcement highlights the continued efforts of the international community to fight corruption and ensure transparency in Haiti’s governance, which is seen as essential to promoting the country’s stability and prosperity.
Lamothe resigned his position as prime minister in 2015 following violent anti-government protests that called for elections and for Lamothe and then-President Michel Martelly to resign.