Patrick Pélissier, the Minister of Justice, held several working sessions with the heads and staff members of various public institutions under the Ministry's supervision, including the National Council for Legal Aid (CNAL), the Central Financial Intelligence Unit (UCREF), and the National Commission for the Fight Against Drugs (CONALD).
With Ms. Judy Bazile, the Director General of CNAL, the situation of detainees in the country's prisons was the focus of discussions. The Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the Legal Aid Offices (BALs) to provide free legal representation to detainees from modest backgrounds who cannot afford a lawyer. Director Bazile took the opportunity to inform the Minister of the difficulties in transporting equipment intended for the BALs in provincial jurisdictions. Pélissier promised to take all necessary steps to ensure that this equipment is delivered to its destination as soon as possible.
During his working session with Mr. Michelin Justable, Director General of the Central Financial Intelligence Unit (UCREF), several points were on the agenda, including the institution's role in the meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CATF) to have Haiti removed from the grey list. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for UCREF to be equipped with a data backup system to better secure sensitive information. Pélissier took the opportunity to stress the necessity of excluding illicit funds and individuals subject to multilateral and bilateral sanctions from the electoral process.
Finally, the Minister had a productive working session with Me Aly Casséus, Chief of Staff of the General Directorate of CONALD. Budgetary constraints and the issue of identifying CONALD agents were among the points discussed.
The Minister took the opportunity to announce an upcoming working session between CONALD (National Anti-Drug and Smuggling Commission), the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), the UCREF (Unit for the Fight Against Drugs and Addictive Behaviors), and foreign partners including the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The aim is to improve operational procedures and, at the same time, define a more coherent action plan, stated the Minister of Justice, who also serves as Vice-President of this body whose mission is to combat the scourge of drugs.
