Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Hosts Roundtable with U.S. Ambassador to Haiti on “Haiti’s Economic Future and Efforts to Curb Illegal Firearms Trafficking.”

TAMARAC, FL — Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins and Haitian Diaspora Leaders to discuss about Haiti's economic future and strategies to combat illegal firearms trafficking from the U.S. to Haiti. 

"Haiti cannot be rebuilt without strengthening its economy and tackling the nation's criminality," said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. It is important to create strategies to stop the illegal trafficking of firearms from the U.S. to Haiti. Security is essential for economic stability, and vice versa. Addressing the root causes of insecurity and irregular migration requires creating economic opportunities. Haiti needs to tackle these issues simultaneously.” 

"The United States supports improving the security and stability of the Haitian people. The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is one part of the international community's response to Haiti's crises. The political progress we've already seen has been encouraging, and we believe that the additional MSS assistance will enable the Haitian people to elect a representative government, sustain economic growth and momentum, and have greater autonomy over their future,” said U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins. 

The roundtable was an open and engaging discussion with leaders from the Haitian Diaspora community in South Florida about the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, the role of civil society in this effort, illegal firearms trafficking to Haiti, and the reauthorization of Hope/Help.  

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick ― the only Haitian American Member in Congress ― proudly serves as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a co-chair of the Haiti Caucus, and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Haiti Working Group. 

For photos of the roundtable, please click here.