AGP Executive Report

Haiti’s Security & Economy Push: Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin urged stronger international support to restore security, enable elections, and revive the economy, calling for full renewal and deployment of the Africa-led Gang Suppression Force as only a fraction of planned officers are currently in place. Education Under Fire: A new report highlights “scholasticide” risks as armed conflicts keep targeting schools and universities, with Haiti named among countries facing repeated attacks that disrupt learning and training. Haitian Labor Impact Abroad: In the U.S., Haitian TPS ended earlier this year, leaving many unable to work and destabilizing caregiver and health-workforce supply in New York and beyond, while advocates press for relief. Migration Policy Uncertainty (El Salvador, with spillover): As El Salvador’s TPS deadline passed, DHS stayed publicly quiet, extending protections “for now” but leaving work authorization questions unsettled—an uncertainty that also keeps Haitian communities watching closely. Regional Business/Trade Compliance: The U.S. BIS reported a sharp enforcement surge in export controls, signaling higher compliance costs for firms trading in semiconductors, aerospace, and defense-linked goods. Sports & Social Cohesion: A Haiti-focused piece argues football still helps knit communities despite displacement and gang violence, even as insecurity reshapes the sport’s everyday reality.

Haiti Security & Governance: Haiti urged the international community to boost support to restore security, organize elections, and revive the economy as gang violence deepens; the government is pushing for renewal and full deployment of the African-led Gang Suppression Force, noting only about 450 of 5,500 planned officers are currently in place. Immigration Shock to Haitian Households: In the U.S., Haiti’s TPS termination has left about 350,000 Haitians unable to work and at risk of deportation, with New York state and New York City among the hardest hit; activists warn the fallout is already destabilizing health and caregiving workforces. Deportation Policy Backlash: DHS faced criticism after a post appeared to mock Haitian “entrepreneurs” while offering $3,000 to self-deport, as deportees describe harsh conditions in third countries. Kidnapping Risk for Professionals: Three prominent figures—including journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste, and ONAPE director general Stéphanie Paultre—were kidnapped within 24 hours, underscoring how gang violence is reaching civilians, legal workers, and officials. Regional Trade & Energy Signals: Rubis plans an 8 MW solar installation in Jamaica, reflecting continued Caribbean investment in renewables amid volatile oil markets.

Back-to-School Cash Support: Haiti’s government launched a 2.5 billion gourde (about $17M) cash-transfer for 140,000 parents, paying 15,000 gourdes (about $116) to help cover the 2026-2027 school year, alongside a wider package for 30,000 vulnerable families, school rehabilitation, school supplies, and added police presence. Deportation Fallout: Reports say Haitians deported from the U.S. are arriving broke and stranded in places like Cap-Haïtien, where gangs control key routes and extort travelers—raising new pressure on local services and safety. U.S. TPS Shock to Haitian Workers: With Haiti’s TPS ended, immigration enforcement has intensified in U.S. cities including Springfield, Ohio, where Haitian residents face arrests and ankle monitors—disrupting work and caregiving networks that many Haitian families rely on. Trade Preferences Extended: The U.S. House approved extending AGOA and Haiti’s HOPE/HELP trade preferences through 2028, a potential boost for Haiti-linked trade flows. Corruption Case: A Haitian official, Renan Hédouville, was deported back to face corruption charges tied to alleged embezzlement of public funds.

Back-to-School Cash Support: Haiti’s government launched a 2.5 billion gourde (about $17M) cash-transfer for 140,000 parents, paying 15,000 gourdes (about $116) per eligible beneficiary, alongside a wider back-to-school package for the 2026-2027 year that includes help for 30,000 vulnerable families, rehabilitation of 52 schools, 8,000 school furniture items, and deployment of 10,750 police to support classes. Rural Gang Expansion: A new report says Haiti’s armed gangs are increasingly moving beyond Port-au-Prince into rural areas with hit-and-run raids, kidnappings, cattle theft, and roadblocks—raising pressure on security forces that lack personnel and training for dispersed terrain. TPS Fallout and Deportation Strain: With Haiti’s TPS ending in the U.S., hundreds of thousands face loss of work authorization and caregivers, while deportees arriving in places like Cap-Haïtien report being stranded, broke, and forced to navigate gang-controlled routes. Human Rights Watch: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged stronger migrant protections and accountability over deaths in U.S. immigration custody, including calls to halt returns to places like Haiti where people face irreparable harm.

Deportation Fallout: More than 80 Haitians were returned to Haiti last week, often with valuables missing and only basic clothing, leaving many stranded in Cap-Haïtien where gangs control the roads and have even killed police trying to travel—authorities provided about 10,000 gourdes per adult, but getting home remains a daily gamble. Rural Gang Expansion: A new report says Haiti’s gangs are increasingly moving beyond Port-au-Prince using fast hit-and-run raids, kidnappings, roadblocks and cattle theft, with insecurity worsening in Artibonite and around transport routes—security forces face major gaps in terrain coverage and training. TPS Economic Shock: With Temporary Protected Status ending for about 350,000 Haitians, the U.S. is also triggering labor and care shortages abroad: U.N. rights chief Volker Türk urged halting returns to places like Haiti, while U.S. communities and employers warn that losing Haitian workers will disrupt health care staffing. Human Rights Watch: Türk opened the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session in Geneva calling for accountability for deaths in U.S. immigration custody and stronger migrant protections. Border Trade Pressure: The Dominican Republic and Haiti held talks in Dajabón to reset a bilateral agenda on migration, border security, illicit finance and trade—aiming for more formal commerce and tighter control of smuggling.

Haiti Security & Gangs: A new report says armed gangs are increasingly moving beyond Port-au-Prince into rural areas, using fast hit-and-run raids, kidnappings, cattle theft and roadblocks—raising the cost and complexity of protecting Haiti’s countryside and trade routes. US Immigration Shock to Haiti’s Economy: Haiti’s TPS ended July 27, stripping work authorization from about 350,000 Haitians; the fallout is already hitting US-based sectors that rely on Haitian labor, while deportation flights are returning people to a country still struggling with insecurity. Human Rights Pressure: UN rights chief Volker Türk opened the UN Human Rights Council session urging accountability for deaths in US immigration custody and calling for halting returns to places like Haiti where people face “irreparable harm.” Diaspora Life & Business Impact: Haitian communities in the US are marking the West Indian Day Parade under a “somber cloud” as TPS losses and enforcement intensify, with organizers warning of detention and forced returns. Border Trade & Smuggling: The Dominican Republic began building a 14.5 km border fence with Haiti to curb smuggling and tighten border governance, a move that could reshape cross-border commerce and logistics. Regional Migration Policy: Dominican and Haitian foreign ministers met in Dajabón to set a bilateral roadmap on migration, border security, trade and investment.

Immigration & Labor Shock (Haiti-linked): Haiti’s TPS wind-down is rippling into U.S. care jobs, with Palm Beach County warning of a caregiver shortage as Haitian health workers lose work authorization after the Supreme Court clears the way to end TPS. Deportation Pressure: Rights groups say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, mainly from the Dominican Republic, straining Haiti’s already weak ability to receive and reintegrate returnees. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council opens in Geneva, with Haiti expected to be discussed during the session as part of broader crisis reviews. Caribbean Security & Trade: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5 km border fence with Haiti to curb smuggling, adding watchtowers and patrol lanes—an economic and logistics shift for border commerce. Diaspora Economy & Culture: In New York, Haitians are marching in the West Indian Day Parade under a heavier mood as TPS losses and enforcement intensify, highlighting how policy changes are hitting community livelihoods and spending. Global Policy Context: Jamaica is petitioning King Charles III over slavery reparations via legal questions on English law and modern redress—another reminder that historical claims are now colliding with today’s legal and economic debates.

Haiti–U.S. TPS Fallout: Haitian families in the U.S. are scrambling after the end of Temporary Protected Status, with care organizations reporting layoffs and vulnerable people losing Haitian caregivers as legal work rights disappear for about 350,000 Haitians. Border Trade Pressure: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer border perimeter fence with Haiti, including watchtowers and patrol lanes, aiming to curb smuggling while keeping binational markets more “orderly and legal.” Humanitarian Strain from Returns: Rights groups say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with Haiti lacking capacity to receive and reintegrate returnees—especially at border points with limited services. Regional Political Support: CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Haiti ahead of the Dec. 13 elections, meeting parties and stakeholders and urging better coordination among regional and international partners. Immigration Policy Shock Ripple: U.S. policy changes are also hitting other TPS groups, adding broader uncertainty for Caribbean and Central American labor and communities tied to migration-linked income. Sports Sponsorship Signal: Haiti-born Argentine prospect Kiki Ramos signed a Nike sponsorship deal, a small but notable win for Haitian talent abroad.

Border Security & Trade Flows: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence in Jimaní, with a 13-foot height, surveillance towers, culverts and patrol roads, aiming to curb trafficking and illicit activity along the Haiti border. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, mainly via the Dominican Republic, stressing Haiti’s limited capacity to receive and reintegrate returnees. Security & Elections: Haiti is urging the renewal of the OAS-backed Gang Suppression Force mandate as its 5,500-person deployment nears completion and the Dec. 13 election date approaches, arguing security gains are needed for state control. Regional Political Support: CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Haiti meeting political actors and stakeholders to support a Haitian-led stability roadmap ahead of elections. US Policy Shock for Haitian Families: The US continues extending flight restrictions on Port-au-Prince amid ongoing deportations tied to the end of protected status, while Haitian faith leaders warn of a “death of despair” linked to ICE pressure. Remittances Angle: Kingston and St Andrew captured most of Jamaica’s remittance growth after Hurricane Melissa—an indirect reminder of how migration-linked cash flows can shift fast after shocks.

Humanitarian Pressure: Rights group GARR says nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026—mostly from the Dominican Republic—while Haiti struggles to receive and reintegrate returnees, especially at border points with limited services. Deportation Fallout: The U.S. carried out another deportation flight to Cap-Haitien (101 people), bringing U.S. removals since TPS ended to 319, as thousands more face removal risk. Security & Elections: Haiti urged the renewal of the OAS-backed Gang Suppression Force mandate as it nears expiry Sept. 30, arguing the 5,500-person deployment is key to restoring territory ahead of the Dec. 13 vote. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Haiti meeting political actors and stakeholders to support a Haitian-led stability and peace roadmap and push better coordination with partners. Political Process Risk: Haitian parties are challenging CEP membership verification, alleging rejected IDs and duplicate listings, raising doubts about whether the Dec. 13 election timetable can hold. Weather Shock: A tropical wave reportedly flooded Gonaïves, killing 1 and damaging 1,500 homes, adding strain to already fragile livelihoods.

Trade & Market Access: The U.S. extended duty-free access under AGOA and the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade programs through 2028, giving exporters and investors more certainty on preferential terms. Security & Elections: Haiti urged the UN to renew the Gang Suppression Force mandate as it nears expiry Sept. 30, arguing full deployment is key to restoring state authority ahead of the Dec. 13 vote. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Haiti engaging political actors and stakeholders to support a Haitian-led stability roadmap with regional and international partners. Governance Process: Haitian parties challenged the CEP’s membership verification for the required 30,000 affiliates, alleging rejected IDs and duplicate listings, raising doubts about meeting the election timetable. Humanitarian & Climate Risk: A tropical wave flooded Gonaïves, killing 1, injuring 2, and damaging about 1,500 homes, underscoring Haiti’s recurring disaster vulnerability. Migration & Labor Impact: Multiple reports say the U.S. carried out another deportation flight to Haiti after TPS ended, while Haitian-American advocates warned of economic and family fallout from TPS terminations. Local Economy & Entrepreneurship: Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry pushed a plan to make the country a land of entrepreneurship, alongside updates on BRH governance and budget framework work for 2026–2027.

Deportations & TPS shock: The U.S. carried out its third straight deportation flight to Haiti, sending 101 Haitians to Cap-Haïtien (319 total on three flights since August) as Temporary Protected Status ends, raising fears for families and returnees amid Haiti’s gang violence and weak reintegration capacity. Elections under pressure: Haiti’s political parties are pushing the CEP to suspend or review membership verification, alleging rejected IDs and duplicate listings, while CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Port-au-Prince engaging parties and stakeholders ahead of the Dec. 13 vote. Security force renewal: Haiti’s foreign minister urged the UN Security Council to renew the Gang Suppression Force mandate before it expires Sept. 30, saying the force must be fully deployed to help elections proceed. Trade lifeline: The U.S. extended duty-free trade access under AGOA and Haiti’s HOPE/HELP through 2028, aiming to preserve market access and stability for Haiti-linked supply chains. Local disruption: A tropical wave flooded Gonaïves, killing 1 person and damaging about 1,500 homes, underscoring ongoing vulnerability that hits households and local economic activity.

Immigration & TPS Fallout: Haitian student Pierre Damas Bel’s apparent suicide in Ohio after being fitted with an ICE ankle monitor has reignited pressure on U.S. immigration enforcement, with faith leaders calling it a “death of despair” and activists urging “unshackle Springfield.” Deportations & Safety Risks: The U.S. deported 160+ people to Cap-Haïtien, landing in the north due to Port-au-Prince flight bans and gang violence, while advocates warn Haiti lacks capacity to receive returnees safely. Security & Elections: Haiti’s foreign minister urged the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy the Gang Suppression Force ahead of the Dec. 13 vote, citing heavy casualties and election logistics like remaining identity card production. Trade & Jobs: The U.S. extended duty-free HOPE/HELP for Haiti and AGOA for Africa for two years, keeping a key cross-border textile lifeline running through 2028. Aviation & Costs: The FAA extended restrictions on flights into Port-au-Prince through March 2, 2027, reflecting ongoing threats to aircraft. Weather & Housing: A tropical wave flooded Gonaïves, killing 1, injuring 2, and damaging about 1,500 homes. Domestic Economy: Haiti revised fuel pump prices upward (gasoline to 700 gourdes; diesel to 770), and the Commerce Ministry launched a call for startups via a university incubator network.

Haiti–U.S. Deportations & Flight Restrictions: The U.S. extended its ban on civilian flights into Port-au-Prince and nearby areas until March 2, 2027, citing armed-group threats, even as deportation flights continue—reportedly sending 160+ people to Cap-Haïtien after TPS ended, with returnees facing immediate gang-related risks. Trade & Jobs: The U.S. House voted to renew Haiti HOPE/HELP for two more years (through Dec. 31, 2028), preserving duty-free access for thousands of textile/apparel product lines—key for Haiti’s export jobs and the Dominican co-production model. BRH & Inflation Focus: Haiti installed a new Board at the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), tasking it with cutting inflation to single digits, stabilizing the macro-financial system, and modernizing the payment system. Fuel & Transport Costs: Haiti revised pump prices upward (gasoline, diesel, kerosene), followed by an increase in public transport fares to match the new fuel costs. Entrepreneurship & Tech Skills: The Commerce Ministry launched a call for startups under AIESU (university incubators) and UNITECH announced a new lab for cybersecurity and AI, while Haiti also moved on AI adoption planning. Agriculture & Access: Rural road rehabilitation in Grand’Anse (PARSA) is nearing completion to help farmers reach markets more easily. Regional Diplomacy: Haiti and the Dominican Republic advanced talks on migration, trade, air connectivity, and border coordination, including continued support efforts for the GSF. Humanitarian Funding: Spain added €900,000 to the regional humanitarian fund supporting food security, shelters, protection, and WASH in Haiti.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Haiti revised pump prices upward, pushing gasoline to 700 gourdes (+50), diesel to 770 (+70), and kerosene to 765 (+75), and the government followed with a new public transport fare schedule tied to the updated fuel costs. Entrepreneurship Push: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched a call for expressions of interest for its AIESU program, aiming to pick eight university-linked startups for six months of structured support, including tracks in AI, agribusiness, green economy, health, and creative industries. Central Bank Leadership: Haiti installed the new BRH board, tasking it with cutting inflation toward single digits, strengthening financial stability, modernizing the payment system, advancing the financial market project, and supporting growth. Trade Relief for Jobs: The U.S. House voted to renew Haiti’s HOPE/HELP trade programs for two more years (to Dec. 31, 2028), a move Haiti says helps protect exports, investment, and industrial jobs. Security & Trade Friction: U.S. flight restrictions in Haiti were extended to March 2, 2027, while Dominican customs tightened controls on containers transiting to Haiti, citing tax fraud complaints and the disruption caused by Haiti’s insecurity. Rural Market Access: Under PARSA, rural road sections in Grand’Anse (Beaumont and Pestel) received provisional acceptance after rehabilitation to improve farmers’ access to markets. AI & Cyber Skills: UNITECH announced its first lab dedicated to cybersecurity and AI, and partners signed a roadmap effort for the responsible adoption of AI in Haiti.

Haiti–U.S. Trade: The U.S. Congress approved a two-year extension of AGOA and Haiti’s HOPE/HELP duty-free trade programs through end-2028, a boost for Haiti’s garment and textile exports and the regional supply chain linking Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S. Port-au-Prince Air Access: The FAA extended its ban on flights into Port-au-Prince until March 2, keeping aircraft from flying below 10,000 feet amid ongoing gang violence—another hit to connectivity and business operations. Security and Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights the Aug. 24 Kenscoff massacre near Port-au-Prince, with 47 killed (including church executions), underscoring how violence disrupts daily commerce and livelihoods. Kidnapping Risk for Firms: Two South Korean workers kidnapped in Port-au-Prince in late July were released unharmed after about a month, showing how business travel remains exposed to gang control. Diaspora Economic Shock (U.S.): In Springfield, Ohio, Haitian TPS losses are driving fear and business closures, while a Haitian student’s death tied to an ICE ankle monitor has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement’s economic and social fallout. U.S. Policy Signal: A presidential order bars U.S. bulk-power equipment from “covered foreign entities,” listing Haiti among them, raising longer-term compliance and procurement questions for regional supply chains.