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Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The Presidential Transition Council (CPT) has officially responded to a report from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) that implicates three of its members in a major corruption scandal related to the National Credit Bank (BNC). In a statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Presidency, the CPT acknowledged the report’s findings and indicated that it is assessing the situation.
The ULCC’s report, released on October 2, 2024, accuses three CPT members—Smith Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Louis Gérald Gilles—of involvement in corruption at the BNC. The report alleges charges of abuse of power, bribery, and passive corruption, and it recommends legal action against the officials. The ULCC has also called for prosecution against Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis, a key figure implicated alongside the CPT members.
The CPT stated it is in consultation to address the issue, ensuring that the necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the nation’s stability and the proper functioning of state institutions. The council has emphasized its commitment to protecting Haiti’s interests during this sensitive period.
Rotational change in CPT leadership
In a separate development, it has been confirmed that Leslie Voltaire will assume the presidency of the CPT on Monday, replacing Edgard Leblanc. Although the three members implicated in the scandal have lost their rotation within the council, they remain part of the institution pending further developments.
The CPT’s response comes at a critical time, as the council faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of internal governance and accountability. This case could have significant implications for the credibility of the transitional government, which was established to steer Haiti through its ongoing political crisis.
Public pressure for justice
Advocacy groups and members of the public have called for swift legal action against those implicated, pressing for greater transparency and accountability within the highest levels of government. The CPT, which plays a key role in the country’s transitional administration, is expected to take concrete steps to address the allegations and restore public trust.
With the ULCC urging prosecution, the case is set to test the Haitian justice system’s ability to respond to high-profile corruption cases involving senior officials.
