Minister Bien-Aimé, in his remarks, commended the judicious and unanimous choice of Ms. Lochard, a distinguished Executive of the Ministry, former Coordinator at the Directorate of Local Authorities, and Technical Advisor to the Minister on decentralization. The Minister expressed his conviction in her potential and ability to strengthen the implementation of the Ministry's initiatives, particularly regarding the Executive's policy on the deconcentration and decentralization of the State's territorial administration. He encouraged the new Secretary of State to collaborate fully and to ensure that her actions are efficient and results-oriented, while respecting civil liberties and promoting the development of local authorities.

For her part, Secretary of State Lochard expressed her profound respect and high esteem for the Minister and pledged her support in his responsibilities, in order to address the numerous challenges of the day and prioritize the strengthening of local authorities.

A career civil servant, recognized for her commitment and expertise in governance development in Haiti, the new Secretary of State intends to ensure the necessary and essential coordination between the central government and local authorities for effective decentralization and deconcentration, declaring, "I am counting on the collaboration, at all levels, of key stakeholders in local authorities and Ministry staff, to transform local authorities into solid, strong, and resilient pillars."

IH/ iciHaiti