Haiti‘s School lunch Program Probe Widens: Ex-Minister Cadet Summoned
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— PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The corruption investigation surrounding Haiti’s National School Canteen Program (PNCS) has escalated with the summoning of former Minister of National Education, Josué Agénor Cadet. He is scheduled to appear before investigators on Friday, February 21, 2025.
This progress follows the arrest of former PNCS coordinator, Phanesse R. Laguerre, who faces charges of illegal public procurement, illicit enrichment, and embezzlement of public funds.Laguerre’s preventative detention was ordered by Investigating Judge Martel Jean-Claude after two hearings.
Millions Allegedly Misappropriated from School Lunch Funds
The investigation, stemming from a report by the Unit Against Corruption (ULCC), alleges important financial irregularities within the PNCS. The ULCC report reveals that over 382 million gourdes (approximately USD $X million based on 2025 exchange rates) were spent on food purchases between October 2016 and February 2021 under Laguerre’s governance.
Raising further suspicion, the report highlights that many of the listed suppliers lacked verifiable physical addresses, with a significant number linked to a single “Business center” in Delmas 49. The ULCC estimates that around 250 million gourdes (approximately USD $Y million based on 2025 exchange rates) were diverted, with 117 million gourdes (approximately USD $Z million based on 2025 exchange rates) linked to conflicts of interest.
ULCC Recommendations and Expanding Investigation
The ULCC report recommended several legal actions, including:
- A comprehensive audit of Laguerre’s management by the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSC/CA).
- Legal action against individuals including Alberto Dort, Miratel Fenor, Paul Wilson Jean Hilaire, Dieudonne François, Junior Célicourt, and Magarie Toussaint for alleged offenses and illegal conflicts of interest.
- Prosecution of Laguerre and Jean Junior Célicourt for abuse of function, embezzlement, and illegal public procurement.
Cadet’s role Under Scrutiny
Cadet,who served as Minister of National Education under President Jovenel Moïse,is now expected to answer questions regarding his potential involvement in the alleged mismanagement of the PNCS. His testimony is a crucial next step in the ongoing investigation.
This convocation is a continuation of the investigations in progress, in particular after the arrest of Phanesse R. Laguerre… accused of illegal public procurement, illicit enrichment and embezzlement of public funds.
…persistent denunciations conducted an investigation into the administrative practices of
Ms. Laguerre.
Haiti School Lunch Program Scandal Deepens: Expert Analysis on Corruption and Accountability
Keywords: Haiti, school lunch program, corruption, investigation, Josué Agénor Cadet, ULCC, public procurement, embezzlement, accountability
Time.news Editor: Welcome back to Time.news. Today, we’re diving deeper into the unfolding corruption investigation surrounding Haiti’s National School Canteen Program (PNCS). The case has taken a significant turn with the summoning of former Minister of National Education, Josué Agénor Cadet. To help us understand the gravity of the situation and its potential implications, we have Dr.Imani Bell, an expert in international development and anti-corruption strategies, joining us. dr. Bell, thank you for being here.
Dr. Imani Bell: Thank you for having me.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Bell, can you give our readers a speedy overview of the Haiti school lunch program scandal and what’s at stake?
Dr. Imani Bell: Certainly.The National School Canteen Program (PNCS) is a vital initiative in Haiti designed to provide nutritious meals to students, improving their health and educational outcomes. Allegations of widespread corruption, however, threaten to undermine the program’s effectiveness. This isn’t just about money; it’s about the well-being and futures of vulnerable children who rely on these meals. The investigation centers around the alleged misappropriation of hundreds of millions of gourdes intended for food purchases, casting a long shadow on the program’s integrity.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions the arrest of former PNCS coordinator Phanesse R. Laguerre and cites the Unit Against Corruption (ULCC) report. What are the key findings from the ULCC report that have triggered this latest development?
Dr. Imani Bell: The ULCC report is quite damning. It alleges significant financial irregularities,pointing to over 382 million gourdes spent on food purchases between october 2016 and Febuary 2021 under Mr.Laguerre’s leadership. What’s notably concerning is the revelation of suppliers with unverifiable addresses,many linked to a single “Business center,” indicating potential shell companies used to divert funds. The ULCC estimates that a considerable amount, approximately 250 million gourdes, was diverted, with a significant portion linked to conflicts of interest. These findings essentially paint a picture of systematic embezzlement and abuse of public procurement processes.
Time.news Editor: The report also recommends legal action against several individuals besides Mr. Laguerre. What potential offenses and illegal conflicts of interest are they suspected of?
Dr. Imani Bell: The recommendations range from the need for a comprehensive audit to legal action against individuals for alleged offenses and illegal conflict of interest, which are broad strokes. It’s essential to consider the role of officials who are entrusted with upholding the integrity of the budget.
Time.news Editor: Now, Josué Agénor Cadet, the former Minister of National Education, has been summoned for questioning. Why is his testimony considered “crucial,” and what specific issues might investigators be focusing on?
Dr.Imani Bell: Mr. Cadet served as Minister of National education during the period when these alleged irregularities occurred, making his testimony absolutely crucial. Investigators will likely be trying to determine the extent of his knowledge about the alleged mismanagement of the PNCS. They might question him about his oversight responsibilities, the approvals he granted, and whether he was aware of any red flags regarding procurement processes or supplier selection. His position of authority makes him a key witness in uncovering the full extent of the corruption and identifying all those involved.
Time.news Editor: What are some of the broader implications of this scandal for Haiti, particularly regarding international aid and the perception of governance?
Dr. Imani Bell: This scandal is deeply damaging on multiple levels. First, it undermines public trust in government institutions and erodes confidence in the ability of the state to deliver essential services. Second, it can jeopardize international aid flows. Donor nations are increasingly focused on accountability and transparency, and allegations of corruption on this scale can deter them from providing much-needed assistance. it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality, as resources intended for vulnerable populations are instead diverted into the pockets of corrupt officials.
Time.news Editor: What steps can Haiti take to strengthen its anti-corruption mechanisms and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?
Dr. Imani Bell: Haiti needs a multifaceted approach: There needs to be a transparent approach to public procurement processes including due diligence checks on suppliers. Secondly, the ULCC and other anti-corruption bodies must have increased resources and autonomy to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases. Thirdly,there must be greater protections for whistleblowers who report wrongdoing. Lastly, strengthening civil society organizations and media outlets that play a crucial role in monitoring government activity. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of good governance and the need to protect public funds from corruption.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Bell, this has been a very insightful analysis. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers.
Dr.Imani Bell: My pleasure.