Haiti - FLASH: Former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe sanctioned by the USA

Haiti - FLASH: Former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe sanctioned by the USA. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, announced in a press statement on June 2, 2023, the designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, for involvement in significant corruption.

Statement by the Secretary of State: "Today, I announce the designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former Haitian Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, for his involvement in major corruption. This action renders Lamothe generally ineligible for entry into the United States. Specifically, Lamothe diverted at least $60 million from the Haitian government's PetroCaribe investment and social protection fund for personal purposes. Through this act of corruption and his direct involvement in fund management, he exploited his role as a public official and contributed to the current instability in Haiti.

We continue to support the citizens, organizations, and officials in Haiti who are committed to generating hope and opportunities for a better future in their country. The United States will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain. Today's designation is part of a series of actions that promote accountability for those who foment violence, block vital humanitarian aid, and enrich themselves at the expense of the Haitian people."

This public designation is made pursuant to section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. K, P.L. 117-328) ("section 7031(c)"). Section 7031(c) requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate foreign officials and their immediate family members about whom the Secretary has credible information of involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.