2026-01-30

Cementing Saint-Cyr Fils-Aime Executive Control CPT member Smith Augustin sent a formal letter to his four colleagues on January 29 unequivocally withdrawing from the effort to remove CPT coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr and definitively collapsing the five-member coalition that has sought since January 21 to dismiss PM Fils-Aime. The letter obtained and published by HaitiLibre represents a complete reversal from Augustin's January 22 confirmation to Le Nouvelliste that four colleagues and I signed in favor of the Prime Minister's dismissal. The strategic significance is profound as without Augustin's support the remaining four members Fritz Alphonse Jean, Leslie Voltaire, Louis Gerald Gilles and Edgard Leblanc Fils lack votes to remove Saint-Cyr who as CPT president pro tempore controls transmission of resolutions to Le Moniteur the official gazette where government decisions acquire legal force. Augustin's letter addressed to Dear Presidential Advisors Dear colleagues Fritz Alphonse Jean Leslie Voltaire Edgard Leblanc Fils and Louis Gerald Gilles explained that he initially supported the Prime Minister's dismissal following recommendations from discussions with national stakeholders within the framework of political dialogue initiated January 18 2026 believing the action could facilitate institutional transition starting February 7 2026. However given the evolution of events and following thorough reflection I have decided to withdraw my support for any action aimed at removing coordinator Laurent Saint-Cyr or any other CPT member at this critical stage. The operative paragraph stated therefore I am informing you that from today until February 7 2026 I will refrain from participating in any similar decision-making process in order to preserve stability necessary for peaceful and orderly transition. January 30, 2026 Augustin urged colleagues to focus efforts on the essential ensuring continuity of state, supporting electoral preparations and fostering environment conducive to emergence of consensus solution for post-February 7 period. Gazette Haiti characterized the letter as unequivocal and noted Augustin's reversal occurs in context of strong diplomatic pressures notably American. Rezon Odwes emphasized Augustin's legal warning that dismissing coordinator without formal publication of prior resolution would open way to spiral of administrative revocations and uncontrollable institutional instability particularly dangerous just days before February 7 deadline of transition. The Jamaica Observer confirmed that last week a resolution for Fils-Aime's dismissal had support of five CPT members before advisor Smith Augustin finally reversed his decision and refused to sign. The Augustin letter cements Saint-Cyr Fils-Aime executive consolidation with Saint-Cyr controlling Le Moniteur transmission preventing the January 21 dismissal resolution from acquiring legal effect. Emmanuel Vertilaire representing Moise Jean-Charles's Pitit Dessalines party has functionally aligned with the Saint-Cyr Fils-Aime axis by participating in executive coordination meetings despite his party leader's opposition. With Augustin's withdrawal the dismissal coalition is reduced to four members at least two of whom face US visa sanctions imposed January 25. The operational implication is that Saint-Cyr and Fils-Aime will almost certainly remain in their positions through February 7 and likely beyond operating as de facto caretaker government under constitutional provision allowing prime minister to continue if no successor is installed.