AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Cost of Living: Haiti’s Economy and Finance Ministry and Commerce Ministry announced revised pump prices effective June 15: gasoline stays at 700 gourdes, while diesel drops to 790 (from 825) and kerosene to 785 (from 845), a direct hit to transport and household energy budgets. Security & Governance: Port-au-Prince security fears rose after reports that armed groups abducted James Boyard, chief of staff to the defense minister and inspector general of the national police, with ransom demands cited—another sign kidnappings are spreading into areas once seen as safer. Industry & Energy Policy Watch: The fuel revision follows an advisory council recommendation dated June 10, underscoring how quickly policy decisions can reshape input costs for Haiti’s importers, distributors, and consumers. Global Context for Haiti’s Food System: A separate report warns the Iran war is driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, with aid funding cuts forcing rationing—conditions that can worsen hunger pressures that Haiti also feels through prices and supply.

World Cup Business Pulse: Scotland’s 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston put Les Grenadiers in the spotlight and kept Group C tight after Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1, with the match also triggering a kit-and-broadcast headache for fans (a World-feed audio glitch) and renewed attention on Haiti’s football brand. Kit & Manufacturing Impact: Haiti was forced to alter its World Cup jersey days before the Scotland opener after FIFA rejected an illustration tied to the 1803 Battle of Vertières, pushing the Colombian maker Saeta to comply on short notice—an immediate hit to production timelines and merchandising plans. Local Hospitality Watch: In Scotland and beyond, pubs and bars are betting on World Cup screenings for a late-night trade boost, with some venues reconfiguring layouts and adding big screens while others question how much money will actually stick. Regional Trade & Food Security: Separate from football, the World Food Programme warns the Iran war is driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, with millions facing worsening hunger—an economic pressure point Haiti can’t ignore.

Housing & Resilience: UNDP-Haiti and Canada handed over keys to 8 earthquake-affected homes in Corail (Grand’Anse), part of a wider post-disaster recovery that built 25 safer houses using improved local construction techniques. Sports & National Identity: Haiti’s World Cup jersey was modified after FIFA flagged revolutionary imagery as “political,” sparking debate over who gets to interpret Haitian history—while Haiti prepares to open Group C against Scotland in Boston. Diaspora & Local Economy: With a U.S. travel ban in place, Haitian-rooted entertainers are still planning major events around Haiti vs. Scotland, as Scotland fans flood Boston—boosting hospitality demand and beer shipments. Trade & Food Security Risk: The World Food Programme warns the Iran war is driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting global trade, pushing millions toward severe food insecurity.

Haiti Education: Haiti’s Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) convened a June 10 meeting with 600+ Protestant school and university leaders to speed up recognition and accreditation of private educational institutions, aiming to raise standards and improve collaboration with public authorities and partners. World Cup & Diaspora: As Haiti prepares for its first World Cup match in 52 years, Haitian players and officials are leaning on the global diaspora to reshape the country’s image, with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé traveling to the U.S. to back the Grenadiers ahead of the Haiti-Scotland opener. FIFA & Sports Industry: FIFA forced Haiti to alter its World Cup jersey after objections to a Battle of Vertières-inspired design, a reminder of how branding rules can disrupt national sports marketing. Food & Humanitarian Response: World Central Kitchen launched a World Cup “Food Is Life” activation, using match-day fan events and food trucks to raise awareness while continuing its disaster-focused feeding mission. Security & Mobility: The U.S. Coast Guard says ships departing Haiti will face tightened U.S. entry rules, adding friction for trade and travel linked to Haiti’s wider economy.

World Cup Jersey Clash: FIFA forced Haiti to change its 2026 World Cup kit after objecting to Battle of Vertières imagery tied to the 1803 independence struggle, with the Saeta-made design previously worn in a warmup before the ban. Government & Sports Diplomacy: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé traveled to the U.S. to back Haiti’s Grenadiers ahead of the Haiti vs. Scotland opener at Gillette Stadium, urging national unity and diaspora support. Local Watch-Party Economy: Brockton, Massachusetts announced $5 ticketed World Cup watch parties at Campanelli Stadium, including Haiti vs. Morocco on June 24 plus a free Fan Fest with vendors, DJs, and youth clinics. Public Finance Planning: Haiti’s Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation and the Economy and Finance launched drafting for the 2026–2027 state budget, stressing security, economic strain, and targeting high-impact public investments. Food Security Pressure: The Iran war is being linked to rising food and fuel costs and trade disruption, with the World Food Programme warning millions could face severe hunger spillovers.

Haiti World Cup Kit Update: FIFA ordered Haiti to remove a Battle of Vertières war-scene illustration from its jerseys, and manufacturer Saeta complied just days before the Scotland opener, saying the original design was meant as a tribute to Haitian resilience, not politics. Port Security & Trade: The U.S. Coast Guard says ships departing Haiti will face tightened entry rules starting June 22, with vessels required to raise security posture and document compliance or risk denial of entry. Local Business Support: Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) via PIDE distributed equipment to 9 micro, small and medium enterprise beneficiaries in Delmas, aiming to strengthen the private sector and job creation. Tourism & Visas: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) president was denied a U.S. visa, sparking debate over how restrictive measures could affect regional tourism operations. Public Health Watch: Dengue risk is rising in Florida as CDC reports a sharp national surge, with Miami-Dade under heightened mosquito alert—relevant for regional travel planning.

World Cup & Apparel Compliance: FIFA ordered Haiti to redesign its Grenadiers jerseys after flagging the Battle of Vertières artwork as “too political,” with kit maker Saeta saying it complied following FIFA’s equipment rules; the revised shirts will be worn for the opener vs Scotland. Maritime Trade & Security: The U.S. Coast Guard will tighten entry rules for ships arriving from Haiti starting June 22, requiring higher port security and documentation, with noncompliance risking denial of entry. Local Business Support: Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) via PIDE handed equipment to 9 MSME beneficiaries in Delmas, aiming to strengthen the private sector and jobs. Food Safety & Inspections: In Ouanaminthe, MCI seized spoiled and expired products during business inspections. Security on the Ground: Delmas saw at least 10 kidnappings reported over four days, signaling renewed pressure on public order. Culture & Spirits Exports: Haiti was honored in Paris at the Mondial du Rhum, with producers promoting Haitian rum and clairins to French buyers.

World Cup & Haiti Industry: Haiti’s World Cup kit was forced to change days before the opener after FIFA rejected a design featuring a war scene tied to the Battle of Vertières, with manufacturer Saeta saying it made “requested modifications” to comply with rules against political messaging—an abrupt reminder of how sports branding, manufacturing contracts, and compliance timelines can hit local producers hard. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard is tightening entry rules for vessels arriving from Haiti, requiring enhanced port security measures and documentation, with non-compliance risking denial of entry—raising the stakes for shipping, logistics costs, and port operations. Energy & Construction Policy: Haiti’s renewable push continues as the government removes taxes on solar panels and batteries to speed adoption, while Haiti’s broader infrastructure planning also faces pressure from hurricane-season preparations, including drainage and river-cleaning works in major cities. Education & Workforce Systems: Haiti moves to launch the Public University of the West via an ad hoc committee to coordinate administrative, academic, and logistical setup—aimed at strengthening training pipelines for future industry needs. Food Security Shock: The Iran-war-linked global food squeeze is worsening, with the World Food Programme warning of millions at risk as trade and fuel costs ripple outward—relevant to Haiti’s import-dependent food market.

Education & Workforce Development: Haiti’s Minister of National Education has created a 7-member ad hoc committee to plan and launch the Public University of the West (UPO), merging the CFEF, ENGA and ENST into a transitional structure for administration, academics and logistics. Renewable Energy Push: Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé announced the removal of taxes on solar panels and batteries to make clean power more affordable for households, businesses and institutions, while planning officials flagged deforestation, watershed damage, pollution and hurricane-linked risks. Disaster Readiness: Ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season, Haiti’s government outlined preparation plans, including a national campaign to clean gullies and rivers in key cities and drainage works across departmental capitals. Food Security & Trade Shock: The World Food Programme warns the Iran war is driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting global trade, with millions at risk of severe hunger as UN funding shortfalls force rationing. World Cup Logistics (Haiti in focus): With the 2026 tournament starting June 11, Haiti is listed in Group C alongside Brazil and Scotland, and coverage highlights the match-up timing and the wider North America hosting build-out.

Renewable Energy Push: Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé announced the removal of taxes on solar panels and batteries to speed up renewable adoption for households, businesses, and institutions. Clean Cooking for Schools: PNCS and FERRE Haiti (LPG stove maker) signed an agreement to convert school canteens to clean cooking, cutting charcoal use and improving cooks’ health, with a pilot in four schools in Saint-Michel de L’Attalaye, Gonaïves, and Cap-Haïtien. Border Security & Trade: Haiti’s neighbor Dominican Republic unveiled a border strategy focused on fortification, connectivity, and economic development, including expanding a perimeter fence and building a binational market near Tilory to boost cross-border commerce. Community & Local Business: A Haiti vs. Scotland watch party in Boston’s Seaport will spotlight Haitian culture with vendors, food, and live entertainment, linking diaspora entrepreneurship to match-day demand. Humanitarian Supply Strain: War in the Middle East is disrupting shipping lanes and raising transport costs, slowing delivery of lifesaving supplies for children worldwide.

Clean Cooking Deal in Haiti: Haiti’s National School Canteen Program (PNCS) and FERRE Haiti signed an agreement to pilot switching school meals from charcoal to LPG (propane) ovens, aiming to cut deforestation and improve cooks’ health in four schools in Saint-Michel de L’Attalaye, Gonaïves, and Cap-Haïtien. Humanitarian Pressure: UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Haiti next week to assess the impact of escalating gang violence, record displacement near Port-au-Prince and Artibonite, and the rollout of a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force amid election delays. Haiti in the World Cup Economy: Boston’s Haitian community is organizing a free Haiti vs. Scotland watch party at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, with cultural programming and 100 local vendor spots—an example of how matchday crowds can translate into business for Haitian entrepreneurs. Aid Funding for Haiti: The U.S. State Department awarded $240 million in foreign aid to Catholic Relief Services, explicitly including Haiti among priority countries for rapid disaster and humanitarian response.

Humanitarian Pressure in Haiti: UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Haiti next week (June 16) to assess gang violence, displacement and the international response, as nearly 1.5 million people have fled homes and electoral tensions continue. Food Security Shock: The UN’s World Food Programme warns the Iran war is worsening hunger worldwide by driving up food and fuel prices and disrupting trade, with millions more at risk. Aid Funding for Haiti: The U.S. State Department awarded $240 million to Catholic Relief Services for rapid humanitarian and disaster response, including in Haiti. Urban Planning & Security: Haiti’s land-use planning forum linked poorly planned urbanization to higher criminal activity, weaker territorial governance and stalled local development. Infrastructure & Capacity: Haiti’s Defense Minister visited the Armed Forces Engineering Corps to review modernization needs and collect operational concerns. Local Governance Updates: Haiti’s “Zapping Haiti” roundup reported a kidnapping of a police officer and child, new ONA leadership appointments, and a tax break move affecting solar panels and batteries. Haiti in the World Cup Economy: Haiti’s World Cup match-up is driving regional attention and community fundraising, including a charity push to feed hungry children ahead of the Haiti-Scotland game.

Haiti’s Security & Urban Planning: Haiti’s “Territories Thursday” spotlighted how weak land-use planning can boost criminal control, disrupt local development, and feed illicit markets, with UNODC-linked analysis using maps and statistics to link urban dynamics to insecurity. Defense & Engineering Capacity: Haiti’s Defense Minister visited the Armed Forces’ Engineering Corps to review modernization needs, hear frontline concerns, and assess priorities for strengthening operational capabilities. Public Safety Updates: A police officer and her child were kidnapped in Port-au-Prince area reporting, while ONA named new senior leaders to drive institutional reform. Energy & Industry Policy: The Prime Minister announced elimination of taxes on batteries and solar panels, signaling a push for cleaner energy and potential cost relief for green investments. Nutrition & Local Agriculture: Meds and Food for Kids reported scaling therapeutic food production in Haiti’s North using local peanuts, while tackling supply and quality challenges in the peanut sector. Diaspora & Markets: Former commerce minister Danielle Saint-Lot continues expanding global sales for Haitian artisans through diaspora-linked craft marketplaces. World Cup Context for Haiti: Haiti’s World Cup return is driving attention to logistics, electricity demand, and humanitarian concerns around the tournament’s wider geopolitical and food-security pressures.

World Cup & Haiti’s spotlight: Haiti’s 2026 World Cup return is framed as a resilience story, with the Grenadiers’ disciplined, transition-based approach under coach Sébastien Migné and key leaders highlighted as they prepare to face Scotland in Boston. Local sports logistics: Scotland’s camp focus shifts to the opener after a 4-0 warm-up rout of Bolivia, with selection questions narrowing as Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams’ attacking form stands out. Agriculture & nutrition: Meds and Food for Kids reports scaling therapeutic peanut-based nutrition in Haiti’s North and Northeast, producing about 234 tons so far and training nearly 1,900 producers, while flagging quality and supply challenges in the peanut sector. Energy & environment policy: Haiti’s Prime Minister announces elimination of taxes on batteries and solar panels during World Environment Day events, tying it to youth-led “green jobs” and broader climate and sanitation initiatives. Education digitization: Haiti moves to digitize schooling via a new National Commission for the Digital Transformation of the Education System, aiming to modernize governance and expand access to digital resources. Governance & business climate: A land-use study notes Haiti’s natural assets are under-optimized for both biodiversity and economic returns, pointing to opportunities from better land management. Security & permitting: In Ouanaminthe, a gas station construction is halted after inspections found it failed legal and administrative requirements tied to environmental and public safety risks. Anti-corruption watch: Transparency International’s latest CPI again places Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, reinforcing governance risk concerns for investors and partners. Culture & books: “Livres en Folie” in Pétion-Ville draws hundreds to honor René Depestre, featuring 114 Haitian authors and 1,100+ titles across literature, history, and education.

Agribusiness & Nutrition: Meds and Food for Kids (MFK) briefed Haiti’s North Agricultural Sector Roundtable on producing therapeutic peanut-based foods to fight malnutrition, reporting about 234 tons made for vulnerable groups and highlighting gaps in peanut supply, quality compliance, and declining cultivation—while MFK backs producer capacity building for nearly 1,900 farmers since 2019. Energy & Industry Policy: Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced the elimination of taxes on batteries and solar panels, framed around World Environment Day and “green jobs” to support Haiti’s shift toward cleaner energy. Construction & Compliance: In Ouanaminthe, authorities inspected a halted gas station project and found it failed legal and administrative requirements tied to environmental and public-safety risks. Digital Transformation: Haiti’s education ministry moved to digitize schooling by creating a National Commission for the Digital Transformation of the Education System, aimed at planning and coordinating the sector’s modernization. Innovation Pipeline: DevExpo 2026’s AI-for-social-impact finale awarded five startups a total of 5 million gourdes to scale solutions in education, health, entrepreneurship, and access to services. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index again placed Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, reinforcing investor and policy concerns around public-sector trust.

Haiti’s World Cup momentum: Haiti’s Postal Service and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé launched a commemorative stamp marking the Grenadiers’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with officials saying it will circulate worldwide as a symbol of national unity and resilience. Food security pressure: The UN World Food Programme warned that the Iran conflict is pushing millions more people toward acute hunger as fuel and food prices rise, naming Haiti among other worsening hotspots while noting funding shortages are forcing aid cutbacks. Environment & jobs at home: Haiti marked World Environment Day with the Ministry of the Environment highlighting school outreach, plastic-pollution awareness, beach cleanups, tree planting, and community climate education across multiple departments, including Port-de-Paix and Cap-Haïtien. World Cup logistics ripple: As Haiti prepares for its Group C opener against Scotland, a separate analysis said World Cup matches in England and Scotland could trigger noticeable electricity demand spikes from viewers’ TV and device use—another reminder of how global sports drive local services.