(CMR) Jamaica has suspended consular services in Haiti after the location hosting its consulate was attacked Monday night.
Jamaica Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the Sun Auto Car Dealership, where the Jamaican consulate is located, “was set ablaze and ransacked by criminal gangs.”
“The Consulate of Jamaica was located on the premises, and consular services in Haiti are therefore suspended indefinitely,” she stated.
The attack was reportedly triggered by a purported land dispossession court judgment which was not received by occupants at the location. About 40 gunmen reportedly stomred the property and kidnapped six security guards, three of whom have since been released.
Johnson Smith also expressed Jamaica’s sympathies to the owner of the dealership and honorary consul Daniel Rouzier.
The attack comes amid Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry's visit to Jamaica where he is attending talks aimed at determining how the country can rebuild from the political and economic turmoil which has plagued the country over the past few years.
Henry said he and his delegaton was in Jamaica trying to reach a consensus on the pressing issues plaguing Haiti, including, killings, poverty and the lack of elections.
The talks are being facilitated by three former Caribbean prime ministers with support from the 15-member Caribbean Community, CARICOM, the United States, and Canada.
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