December 23, 2024
Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Banque Nationale de Crédit (BNC), Haiti’s third largest bank and state owned, has officially asked Prime Minister Garry Conille to strengthen his security and that of his family, following corruption accusations involving three Presidential Council members.
In a letter dated July 24, 2024, Mr. Pierre-Louis claims to have been approached by Presidential Council members Louis Gérald Gilles, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Smith Augustin, who allegedly demanded a payment of 100 million Gourdes to keep his position at the head of BNC. This request, perceived as an attempt at bribery, has raised serious concerns about the personal security of Pierre-Louis and his relatives.
“This request, which I perceive as a form of corruption, not only threatens my professional integrity but also poses a serious security risk to my family and myself. Having become targets of individuals, we are exposed to threats of potential attacks,” Pierre-Louis wrote in his correspondence addressed to the Prime Minister. He requested rapid intervention to ensure a secure environment allowing the continuation of his functions without undue pressure.
This step follows a series of accusations of corruption brought by Attorney Sonnet Saint Louis against the three Presidential Advisors. The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC in French), under the direction of Hans Ludwig Joseph, has already summoned Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis to a hearing scheduled for July 30, 2024. This hearing aims to clarify the allegations that the Advisors demanded bribes to keep Pierre-Louis in his position.
The situation has drawn attention to the challenges of governance and integrity within Haitian institutions. ULCC Director General, Hans Ludwig Joseph, stressed the importance of Pierre-Louis’ cooperation in this case, stating that this hearing is a crucial step in the ongoing investigation.
