St. Kitts and Nevis Reaffirms Support for Haiti at the United Nations on the 15th Anniversary of the Devastating Earthquake.

The 15th Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake: A Call for Renewed Global Solidarity

The year 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. This catastrophic event, measuring a magnitude of 7.0, claimed the lives of an estimated 220,000 people, injured over 300,000, and impacted the lives of approximately 3.5 million Haitians. The earthquake’s destructive force resulted in widespread damage and losses estimated between a staggering US$7 billion and US$14 billion. The international community, led by the United Nations, is commemorating this tragic anniversary with a renewed focus on supporting Haiti’s ongoing recovery and development. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, led the commemorations, emphasizing the UN’s continued commitment to honoring the victims, including 102 UN personnel who perished in the disaster, through sustained efforts in Haiti.

The small island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a prominent role in advocating for increased international support for Haiti. Ambassador Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN, has underscored the historical significance of Haiti’s resilience and its profound impact on the global Black experience. Emphasizing the special bond between the two nations, Ambassador Williams has reaffirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to leveraging its diplomatic platform within the UN, including its chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC), to champion Haiti’s cause and translate global solidarity into tangible progress on the ground.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ advocacy extends beyond mere rhetoric. The nation actively participates in the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, a dedicated UN body focused on coordinating international assistance and support for the country. This involvement demonstrates a deep commitment to working collaboratively with the international community to address Haiti’s multifaceted challenges. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, during his address at the UN General Assembly, reinforced this commitment, highlighting the Caribbean Community’s unwavering support for the National Transitional Council’s efforts to foster a multi-stakeholder political solution in Haiti. He called upon the world to reciprocate Haiti’s historical generosity and stand in solidarity with the nation during its time of need.

Dr. Drew’s appeal emphasized not just the immediate needs of Haiti but also the long-term vision of a sustainable future for the country. He stressed the importance of transitioning from a state of insecurity and violence to one of peace, prosperity, and opportunity. The Prime Minister highlighted the Caribbean Community’s commitment to supporting the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, aiming to establish an environment where essential services can function effectively, free from the disruptive influence of gang violence. This vision underscores the importance of transforming schools into havens of learning, hospitals into centers of healing, and markets into hubs of community and economic activity.

The international community’s recognition of Haiti’s historical contributions to global freedom movements adds a layer of moral imperative to the call for sustained support. Haiti’s struggle for independence and its role in inspiring liberation movements across the world serve as a reminder of its enduring spirit and resilience. The 15th anniversary of the earthquake serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of nations and the responsibility of the global community to stand in solidarity with those facing adversity. The commemoration is not merely a remembrance of past tragedy but a call to action to ensure that Haiti receives the support it needs to build a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future.

The combined voices of St. Kitts and Nevis, CARICOM, and the broader international community underscore the urgent need for continued and strengthened support for Haiti. This support must address both the immediate security challenges and the long-term development goals, ensuring that Haiti is empowered to rebuild not only its infrastructure but also its social fabric. The commemoration of the earthquake anniversary serves as a powerful reminder that true solidarity requires not just words of support, but concrete actions that translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the Haitian people. The focus should be on fostering sustainable development, strengthening institutions, and creating an environment where peace, security, and prosperity can flourish.