Evans Paul - Prime Minister

Evans Paul (2015–2016)

Evans Paul (born November 25, 1955, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti) is a Haitian politician, journalist, and former Prime Minister who served from January 16, 2015, to February 26, 2016, under President Michel Martelly. Known by his nickname "K-Plume," Paul has been a prominent figure in Haitian politics and media for decades.

Paul began his career as a journalist and radio host, gaining recognition for his program "Plume" on Radio Caraïbes in the 1970s. He later became involved in politics, serving as the mayor of Port-au-Prince from 1990 to 1991. During this time, he was a member of Jean-Bertrand Aristide's National Front for Change and Democracy. However, following the 1991 coup d'état, Paul became a vocal critic of Aristide and aligned himself with opposition movements.

As Prime Minister, Paul faced significant challenges, including political instability, delayed elections, and widespread protests. Despite these difficulties, he worked to maintain a functioning government and facilitate a peaceful transition of power. His tenure ended in February 2016, when Jocelerme Privert was appointed as interim president.

Paul remains an influential figure in Haiti, known for his contributions to journalism, politics, and advocacy for democratic governance. Would you like to explore more about his political career or the context of his tenure?

Laurent Salvador Lamothe - Prime Minister

Laurent Lamothe (2012–2014)

Laurent Salvador Lamothe (born August 14, 1972, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti) is a Haitian businessman, entrepreneur, and politician who served as Haiti's Prime Minister from May 16, 2012, to December 14, 2014, under President Michel Martelly. Lamothe's tenure was the longest of any Haitian Prime Minister in the last three decades.

Lamothe pursued his education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Barry University and a master's degree in business management from St. Thomas University. Before entering politics, he co-founded Global Voice Group, a telecommunications company that provides ICT solutions to governments worldwide.

As Prime Minister, Lamothe focused on infrastructure development, social policy, and attracting foreign investment to Haiti. His administration implemented innovative financing mechanisms and oversaw the construction of schools, roads, and bridges. Lamothe also worked to make Haiti more business-friendly by introducing tax incentives and increasing the police force by 30%.

Despite his achievements, Lamothe's tenure faced criticism over delayed elections and allegations of corruption. He resigned in December 2014 amid protests and political pressure. After leaving office, Lamothe continued to advocate for sustainable development and founded the LSL World Initiative, a think tank focused on addressing global poverty.

Gérard Latortue - Prime Minister

Gérard Latortue (June 19, 1934 – February 27, 2023) was a Haitian politician, diplomat, and economist who served as Haiti's Prime Minister from March 12, 2004, to June 9, 2006. Born in Gonaïves, Haiti, Latortue pursued studies in law and economics, which led to a distinguished career in international diplomacy and governance.

Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Latortue worked for the United Nations and briefly served as Haiti's Foreign Minister in 1988 during Leslie Manigat's presidency. His appointment as Prime Minister came after the 2004 coup d'état that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Latortue was selected by a "Council of the Wise," an interim body supported by international powers, to lead Haiti's transitional government.

Latortue's administration faced significant challenges, including political unrest, gang violence, and economic instability. Despite these obstacles, he worked to organize elections and restore order. His tenure ended in June 2006, when René Préval was elected President.

After leaving office, Latortue continued to engage in international diplomacy and advocacy. He passed away in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of leadership during one of Haiti's most turbulent periods.

Yvon Neptune - Prime Minister

Yvon Neptune (born November 8, 1946, in Cavaillon, Haiti) is a Haitian politician and architect who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Haiti from March 15, 2002, to March 12, 2004. Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Neptune was an influential figure in Haitian politics, serving as President of the Senate from 2000 to 2002. He was a member of the Fanmi Lavalas political party and a close ally of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Neptune's appointment as Prime Minister came during a period of political and social unrest in Haiti. His administration faced significant challenges, including economic instability, opposition protests, and international scrutiny. Despite these difficulties, Neptune worked to implement policies aimed at stabilizing the country and addressing its pressing issues.

Following the ousting of President Aristide in February 2004, Neptune's position became precarious. He was replaced by Gérard Latortue on March 12, 2004, as part of a transitional government. In the aftermath, Neptune faced accusations of corruption and human rights abuses, leading to his imprisonment in 2004. He was held without formal charges for over a year, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations. Neptune went on a hunger strike to protest his detention, which garnered international attention. He was eventually released in 2006.

Neptune's legacy is complex, reflecting both his contributions to Haitian politics and the controversies surrounding his tenure. Would you like to explore more about his policies or the political climate during his time in office?

Jean Marie Chérestal - Prime Minister

Jean Marie Chérestal (born June 18, 1947) is a Haitian economist and politician who served as Haiti's Prime Minister from March 2, 2001, to January 21, 2002, under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Born in Port-Salut, Haiti, Chérestal pursued a career in economics and public administration, becoming a prominent figure in Haitian politics.

Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Chérestal held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Planning and External Cooperation and Minister of Finance. His expertise in economic matters earned him recognition, and he was a member of the Fanmi Lavalas political party.

As Prime Minister, Chérestal faced significant challenges, including political unrest, accusations of corruption, and economic difficulties. His administration was marked by efforts to address Haiti's financial issues, but internal conflicts and opposition criticism led to his resignation in January 2002. Despite stepping down, Chérestal continued to influence Haitian politics and remained active in public service.

Jacques-Édouard Alexis - Prime Minister

Jacques-Édouard Alexis (born September 21, 1947) is a Haitian politician and agronomist who served as Prime Minister of Haiti during two separate terms: from March 26, 1999, to March 2, 2001, and from June 9, 2006, to September 5, 2008. Born in Gonaïves, Haiti, Alexis is a descendant of notable Haitian leaders, including President Pierre Nord Alexis and Prince Jean-Louis Pierrot.

Alexis pursued his education in agronomy at the State University of Haiti, graduating in 1973. He furthered his studies in food science and technology at Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, earning a Master of Science degree in 1979. His academic career included roles as a professor and dean at the State University of Haiti, where he contributed to the development of agricultural and food technology programs. He also played a key role in founding Quisqueya University, Haiti's largest private university, and served as its first rector from 1990 to 1995.

In politics, Alexis held various ministerial positions under President René Préval, including Minister of National Education, Youth, and Sport, Minister of Culture, and Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities. His first term as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to stabilize Haiti's political landscape, though it faced challenges due to opposition and political crises. During his second term, Alexis focused on addressing Haiti's economic and social issues but was dismissed following political fallout from food riots in 2008.

Jacques-Édouard Alexis remains a significant figure in Haiti's political history, known for his contributions to education, agriculture, and governance. Would you like to explore more about his policies or the challenges he faced during his tenure?

Rosny Smarth - Prime Minister

Rosny Smarth (October 19, 1940 – January 15, 2025) was a Haitian politician and agronomist who served as Haiti's Prime Minister from February 27, 1996, to June 9, 1997, under President René Préval. Born in Cavaillon, Haiti, Smarth pursued studies in agronomy and became involved in land reform initiatives during the early 1970s, including working in Salvador Allende's administration in Chile.

As Prime Minister, Smarth focused on addressing Haiti's economic challenges and promoting agricultural development. However, his tenure was marked by political disputes, particularly with President Préval, which led to his resignation in June 1997. After stepping down, the position of Prime Minister remained vacant for nearly two years.

Smarth was affiliated with the Struggling People's Organization (OPL) and remained active in Haitian politics and advocacy throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Haiti's development and reform.