Today, I am announcing the designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former Haitian Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, for his involvement in significant corruption. This action renders Lamothe generally ineligible for entry into the United States. Specifically, Lamothe misappropriated at least $60 million from the Haitian government’s PetroCaribe infrastructure investment and social welfare fund for private gain. Through this corrupt act and his direct involvement in the management of the fund, he exploited his role as a public official and contributed to the current instability in Haiti.
We continue to support the citizens, organizations, and public servants of Haiti who are committed to generating hope and opportunity for a better future in their nation. The United States will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain. Today’s designation is part of a series of actions that promote accountability for those who foment violence, block life-saving humanitarian support, and enrich themselves at the expense of the Haitian people.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs