Les Cayes, Haiti – In a violent incident that shocked the local community, entrepreneur Jerson Borga was fatally shot while driving his vehicle by assailants on a motorcycle in Les Cayes. Borga, a known figure in the business circle, succumbed to four bullet wounds, reflecting a rising wave of violence in the region.
In related developments concerning public safety, the Brazil Visa Application Center (CAVB) in Port-au-Prince announced an indefinite closure starting Friday, April 4th, 2025, citing the precarious security environment. Officials stated that the center would reschedule appointments and assist impacted applicants once it is deemed safe to resume services.
Despite the turbulent security backdrop, international aid continues to reach Haiti. A significant shipment organized by the World Food Program (WFP) landed in Port-au-Prince, delivering 20 tons of essential supplies, including medicines, sanitation equipment, shelters, and urgent laboratory gear for Haiti’s National Laboratory. This aid targets various non-governmental organizations engaged in mitigating the impacts of the ongoing internally displaced persons crisis and cholera outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the town of Tabarre witnessed a severe assault as heavily armed gangs attempted to overtake the Motorized Intervention Brigades (CBIM) base in Clercine. Although the police reported simultaneous attacks in Tabarre 27 and Clercine, they successfully repelled the assailants in both locations. These incidents underscore the severe challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order and safety.
On the economic front, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced a steep increase in the application fee for registering a business name. Effective April 1st, 2025, the fee has escalated from 1,500 to 3,000 gourdes. Authorities explain that this adjustment is necessary to enhance service delivery and satisfy administrative demands more effectively.
The insecurity has also impacted healthcare facilities in Haiti. Mirebalais University Hospital, a major healthcare provider, was forced to partially evacuate around fifty patients to nearby hospitals as a precautionary measure against potential gang violence. Dr. Réginald Ternier, the director of the hospital’s Clinical Program, emphasized that while the hospital has yet to be directly attacked, the administration is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
As Haiti grapples with these multiple crises from public security to health system challenges, the international community’s engagement through aid appears more crucial than ever. The ongoing efforts by local authorities to stabilize the situation reflect the resilience and urgency inherent in addressing the needs of Haiti’s population amidst continuing unrest and challenges.