In attendance were Prime Minister Garry Conille, President of the Presidential Transitional Council Edgard Leblanc Fils, Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, among others.

These new agents are called upon to strengthen national security.

For the President of the Presidential Transitional Council, this ceremony holds two significant meanings. «It reflects the commitment of the new graduates to combat armed groups in their last stronghold. This is the mission set by the Presidential Transitional Council,» declared Edgard Leblanc Fils in his speech.

«The CPT, in collaboration with the government, will ensure all specialized units of the PNH are adequately equipped, both materially and psychologically, to combat gangs and ensure the free movement of goods and people across the territory,» he affirmed, promising full support from the executive to the specialized units.

This ceremony also signals, according to the presidential advisor, the Council’s determination to create the necessary conditions for holding democratic elections. «This is the CPT’s second commitment after restoring security,» reminded Edgard Leblanc Fils.

«The Presidential Transitional Council and the government are placing great emphasis on intelligence and information gathering for the successful execution of police operations, with the objective of zero casualties among police ranks,» supported the President of the CPT.

«With the high command, we will address other issues within the institution to instill confidence in the agents. Every police officer should feel proud of their work,» he emphasized.

Garry Conille Pledges Full Government Support to the PNH

«The nation will support you. I give you my word,» promised Prime Minister Garry Conille to the 455 agents of the specialized units of the PNH, for whom this event is a message of hope that the country will not perish.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the path chosen by these Haitian citizens is not easy but noble, essential for the survival and prosperity of the country, he said.

«Police officers, you must know that every day you will be putting your lives at risk to protect the freedoms and rights of our citizens. Your sacrifice is the foundation of our society. For this, we give you our deepest gratitude and respect,» declared Garry Conille.

«The serious security problems we face today underscore the crucial importance of your role. Your training and preparation are essential for restoring peace and stability in our communities,» he added.

From January to June 2024, 20 police officers were killed, according to the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) in an investigative report published on June 12. Several police stations have been attacked, vandalized, or set on fire by criminal groups since the reconstitution of the «Viv Ansanm» coalition on February 29, 2024.

According to the Prime Minister, it is time to reconsider a Haitian approach to security, to rethink the strategy to make it comprehensive and immediate. «The approach, he argues, must involve integrating all security forces, establishing operational coordination centers, and deploying cutting-edge technologies for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

«We are committed to ensuring you have the tools, training, and support necessary to accomplish your task,» declared Garry Conille, stressing that «we recognize the challenges and shortcomings. We are determined to address them.»

«Now is not the time for reproaches, but for action, for rebuilding and strengthening our police institution so that it can effectively fulfill its mission,» insisted the head of government, promising to restore security.

«My government is resolute in its mission to restore security. We will take all necessary measures to achieve this. I fully understand the magnitude of the task and the urgency. We are already at work,» he guaranteed.

Furthermore, PM Garry Conille expressed his desire for the relationship between the police and the community to be based on respect and mutual trust. «We must all condemn any act of violence against police officers,» he emphasized. «The murder of a police officer is an attack on each of us and must provoke our collective indignation. Criminals must be isolated and treated as outcasts from society,» he urged.

A Sign of Hope

The awarding of diplomas to the 455 new officers of the specialized units «marks an important milestone not only for these new agents, but also for the future of our country in terms of security and justice,» supported Frantz Elbé, Director General of the PNH.

«In these particular moments that Haiti is experiencing, the role and responsibility of the National Police as guardians of peace and social stability have never been more tested,» remarked the Chief of Police, praising the courage, sense of duty, and sacrifice of the officers.

«Our brave police officers, alongside the members of the High Command, for over two months and despite the limits in terms of human, material, and financial resources, have stood up day and night to defend our fellow citizens and all residents of our territory and their property against the repeated and deadly assaults of armed criminal gangs. Some of these heroes have paid with their lives for the fragile peace we enjoy today,» emphasized Frantz Elbé.

«More than ever, the PNH, through these initiatives, is committed to a process of adaptation and transformation, aiming to effectively address the new asymmetrical and unconventional security challenges,» he added, thanking the Haitian government and international partners for their contributions to the efforts of the PNH.

«This continuous capacity-building work aims to make the PNH a robust, effective, and efficient republican institution capable of protecting the country against all current and future security threats and challenges. In this regard, the PNH relies on the ongoing support of the State and the Haitian Government in pursuing transformation and preserving institutional achievements.»

To the officers of the specialized units, the Chief of Police reminded them of the heavy responsibility inherent in their task. «You have the responsibility to always be disciplined, to work in accordance with the law and human rights. You must be honest, loyal to the police institution and to the country,» urged Frantz Elbé.