The Charge d'Affairs of Haiti in Jamaica, Max Alcé was recalled for consultations after the expulsion by the Jamaican authorities of the national football team under 17 years (U-17). A decision taken after the admission to hospital of several members of the Haitian team that had fever.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Haiti) :

In a note of February 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) of Haiti indicates have sent a protest note to the Jamaican authorities concerning the discriminatory measures whose has been the subject the national team under 17. Haitian Chancery intends to bring the matter before the bodies of CARICOM to inform them that such behavior may harm the good relations between the two countries in addition to prejudicing the philosophy of the Caribbean Community whose both States are members.

Haitian Football Federation :

In a statement, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has declared that it is frustrated and shocked by the treatment inflicted to the Haitian delegation by the Jamaican authorities.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (Haiti) :

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC) in a protest note explains that this is a decision arbitrary and discriminatory, which is against the international sporting principles which occurred within the framework of the participation of Haiti to the most prestigious competition of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the ministry wrote.

He claims that the Haitian government, for its part, will file a complaint in front of the the government bodies responsible for Continental sport (American Council of Sport) and the Conference of Minister of youth and Sports of countries having French in sharing (CONFEGES).

Minister of Youth (Jamaica):

The Minister of Jamaica Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has expressed his disappointment following the withdrawal of the Haitian national football team. He briefly recalled that three members of the delegation (including the coach) were confirmed to be suffering from malaria. Several other team members with symptoms of the disease were treated by the Jamaican health authorities that have confirmed that the cases were imported into the island.

The Minister has confirmed that most members of the delegation of Haiti, including those with confirmed malaria had left Jamaica on Wednesday with a special charter flight to Port-au-Prince. However, seven members of the delegation, who were not fit to travel should leave Jamaica on Thursday or Friday on commercial flights.

"We wish all the affected members a speedy recovery; and we look forward to welcoming Haitian teams back to Jamaica soon for football and other sports", added Minister Olivia Grange.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-2364-haiti-football-u17-jean-bart-dadou-raconte-toute-l-affaire-de-la-jamaique.html (in french)

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2360-haiti-football-the-fhf-is-frustrated-the-jamaica-explains.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2356-haitifootball-the-u-17-men-s-team-leaves-the-playoffs-due-to-illness-update-1h12pm.html

BF/ HaitiLibre