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GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Apr 13, CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)has extended condolences to the government and people following the weekend stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferrière that left at least 30 people dead.
“CARICOM expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured. These sentiments were also directly conveyed by the Chair of CARICOM, Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis in a call to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé …after learning of the tragedy,” CARICOM said in a statemen, adding that the Community “stands in solidarity with Haiti during this time of grief and loss”.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé who confirmed the deaths, has also conveyed the government’s “ profound emotion and immense sadness” at the tragic incident.
“The government extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of its deep solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering. All relevant authorities are fully mobilized and on high alert to provide, without delay, the necessary assistance, care, and support to those affected and their loved ones,” he said in a statement.
He said that the government is monitoring the situation very closely and called on the public to remain “calm and cautious while awaiting the results of the ongoing investigations to establish the exact circumstances of this tragedy.
“In this particularly difficult time, the Prime Minister and the Government reaffirm their solidarity with the victims and the entire affected community,” Prime Minister Fils-Aimé said.
The incident occurred at the Citadelle Laferrière in the town of Milot, where heavy rains reportedly triggered panic among attendees, leading to a stampede around 4 p.m. (local time on Saturday.
Authorities say most of the victims died from asphyxiation, while others were trampled as crowds surged at the fortress gates.
Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph said the death toll could rise, noting that the town lacks adequate emergency resources, including ambulance services. He added that officials were awaiting the arrival of justices of the peace to formally process casualties.
The Citadelle Laferrière, built in the early 19th century, is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere and a major symbol of Haiti’s independence. It typically attracts thousands of visitors during the Holy Week period.
The Ministry of Tourism in a statement extended “condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims who, in these times of sorrow, are grieving this tragedy”
A statement issued by the Civil Protection Department said a situation of severe overcrowding, linked in particular to deficiencies in crowd management measures, triggered a stampede. The Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Milot has received several bodies of young people.
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