Jean Renel Sanon, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, and Gilles Rivard, Interim Chargé of the Canadian Embassy, conducted the inauguration of the new Courthouse building and the Kenscoff City Hall in the south of Haiti.
At a cost of $530,000 Canadian, and managed by CECI, the new building will serve approximately 52,232 residents. This project is part of the governance infrastructure (Police and Justice) reconstruction program initiated throughout the country and has contributed to the reconstruction of the police stations in Gressier, Leogane, Grand Goave and Côtes-de-Fer that were destroyed in the earthquake January12, 2010.
"This event marks an opportunity to take one more step towards the development of a justice system that better meets the needs of the Haitian people," said Mr.Gilles Rivard. He finishes by reaffirming "the construction of this new Kenscoff Courthouse will strengthen the rule of law, a shared Haitian and Canadian priority".
The Minister of Justice thanked the Canadian government then said that the inauguration of the Courthouse and Kenscoff City Hall reflects the faith of the government in Justice.
"This building is added to the list of many achievements of the Ministry in the context of the implementation of its four year action plan (2012-2016)” he concluded.
This project is part of the Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti (PDNA) that aims to restore and strengthen the operational capacities of those working in justice and public safety.
It is funded by the Government of Canada through the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (MAECD).
Beyond the development of a well maintained framework, the reconstruction of the Courthouse and the registry office of the Kenscoff municipality also includes the equipment for the new building, furniture, and support staff to increase the efficiency of the judicial system. A component of training for the personnel of the court for the sake of the judicial stakeholders in this town, to improve their performance and services and intermediate outcomes including: professional services, effective, accountable and respected.
Reconstruction of the Kenscoff Courthouse was completed through a contribution program for global peace and security managed by the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force, better known as the " START ".
Canada also remains a strong and committed partner in Haiti. From 2006 to 2012, Canada has contributed more than a billion dollars, including a commitment of $400 million between 2010 and 2012 for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Haiti following the earthquake.
Esther Labonté Communications Advisor, CECI-Haïti