The Haitian Customs Collective (CDH) has learned with indignation of the letter addressed by the General Directorate of the Customs Administration (AGD) to the Haitian National Police (PNH), reporting an alleged public order disturbance at the customs office of the International Airport, which occurred on April 27, 2026.

The CDH wishes to set the record straight :

What the Directorate describes as a "group of individuals posing as protesters" is in reality legitimate customs workers, wearing their official badges, exercising their most fundamental right: the right to be heard and to demand payment of their back wages.

According to our information, this amounts to eight months' salary for contract workers, 13 months' pay for surveillance agents, and five months' pay for managers assigned to the Cap-Haïtien Customs office.

The CDH strongly condemns the attempt to criminalize their actions by calling on law enforcement against state employees who are simply demanding what is owed to them. Using law enforcement against striking employees is a serious act that reveals an administration more concerned with silencing the victims than with fulfilling its obligations.

The CDH reiterates its demands to the General Directorate of the General Administration of Customs (AGD) and the relevant authorities :

• The immediate and full payment of all salary arrears owed to customs workers;

• The immediate cessation of any proceedings or actions aimed at prosecuting, sanctioning, or intimidating the strikers;

• The opening of an independent investigation into the release of spoiled rice and the holding accountable those responsible for ignoring customs officers' warnings;

• The cessation of threats and pressure exerted against CDH members and leaders;

• The recruitment process for 80 customs officers, launched last year with the support of Office Management and Human Resources, is continuing.

The General Customs Administration is a state institution. Its officers deserve respect, security, and fair compensation. No intimidation or threat can erase this reality.

IH/ iciHaiti