Ariel Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ariel Henry
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Henry in 2023
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| Acting Prime Minister of Haiti | |
| In office 20 July 2021 – 24 April 2024 |
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| Appointed by | Jovenel Moïse |
| President | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Claude Joseph (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Michel Patrick Boisvert (acting) |
| Acting Minister of Interior and Territorial Communities | |
| In office 14 November 2022 – 24 April 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself (acting) Michel Patrick Boisvert (acting) |
| Preceded by | Liszt Quitel |
| Succeeded by | Garry Conille |
| In office 22 January 2015 – 11 September 2015 |
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| Prime Minister | Evans Paul |
| Preceded by | Réginald Delva |
| Succeeded by | Ardouin Zéphirin |
| Acting Minister of Culture and Communication | |
| In office 27 November 2021 – 11 January 2022 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself (acting) |
| Preceded by | Jean Emmanuel Jacquet |
| Succeeded by | Emmelie Prophète |
| Minister of Social Affairs and Labor | |
| In office 11 September 2015 – 28 March 2016 |
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| Prime Minister | Evans Paul Fritz Jean |
| Preceded by | Victor Benoît |
| Succeeded by | Jean René Antoine Nicolas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 November 1949 Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
| Political party | Independent |
| Other political affiliations |
Inite Fusion of Haitian Social Democrats Haitian Revolutionary Progressive Nationalist Party Social Democratic Party Convergence Démocratique |
| Spouse | Annie Claude Massiau |
| Education | University of Montpellier (BS) Loma Linda University (MPH) |
Ariel Henry (born 6 November 1949) is a Haitian doctor and politician. He served as the acting Prime Minister of Haiti from July 2021 until April 2024. He took on this important role after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
During his time as acting prime minister, he also led the Ministry of Interior and Territorial Communities. Henry faced challenges, including questions about his communication with people involved in the investigation of President Moïse's assassination. He stated that he did not remember those calls.
On 11 March 2024, Henry announced he would step down. He resigned on 24 April 2024, when a new group called the Transitional Presidential Council was formed.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 6 November 1949. His family came from the Artibonite region.
He studied neurosurgery in Montpellier, France, from 1977 to 1981. He also studied neurophysiology and neuropathology at the University of Montpellier. In 1982, he completed his doctoral thesis.
Henry continued his studies in the United States. In 1989, he earned a Master of Public Health from Loma Linda University. He also did advanced studies in health management at Boston University in 1990.
Medical Career
Ariel Henry had a long career in medicine before entering politics. He taught at a nursing school in Montpellier from 1980 to 1981. He also worked as an assistant in neurosurgery at a university hospital in Montpellier.
From 1985 to 1987, he was an administrator at the Adventist Hospital of Haiti. He worked as a neurosurgeon at the State University of Haiti Hospital from 1987 to 1996. During this time, he also taught neurosurgery and psychophysiology at the university.
Henry was a consultant in neurosurgery and neurology at the Saint Vincent Centre for Disabled Children. He also advised the Minister of Health of Haiti. He worked with the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization.
He led several health projects for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Haiti. These projects focused on child survival and nutrition. He also served as the health director for the Adventist Church in Haiti and other regions.
Henry helped lead the public health efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He also responded to the cholera outbreak in 2012. In 2020, he was chosen to be part of a scientific council. This group helped fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti.
Political Career
Henry became involved in politics as a leader of the Democratic Convergence movement. This group wanted to bring change to Haiti. After a change in government in 2004, Henry called for a new government and elections.
He later joined a group called the "council of sages." This council helped choose members of the new government. It had support from other countries, including the United States.
In 2006, Henry became the director general of the Ministry of Health. He held this role until 2008. He then became the ministry's chief of staff until 2011. During this time, he helped manage the public health response after the 2010 earthquake.
Henry has been a member of several political parties. In 2015, President Michel Martelly appointed him as the Minister of Interior and Territorial Communities. He served in this role until September 2015. Then, he became the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor until March 2016.
On 5 July 2021, President Jovenel Moïse chose Henry to be the next prime minister. However, President Moïse was assassinated two days later. This delayed the transfer of power. The acting Prime Minister, Claude Joseph, took control of the government.
A group of international diplomats, called the "Core Group," supported Henry. They asked him to take charge of the government. On 19 July, Joseph announced he would step down, allowing Henry to become prime minister.
Prime Minister of Haiti
Ariel Henry was sworn in as acting prime minister on 20 July 2021. He called for unity in the country. He also said his main goals were to restore order and security.
After an earthquake hit Haiti on 14 August, Henry declared a state of emergency. He promised to use all resources to help those affected. He also vowed to hold elections soon to bring back democracy.
Henry focused on reducing crime in Haiti. He also introduced a draft of a new constitution. This draft suggested giving more power to the President and removing the Prime Minister's position.
He signed an agreement for a transitional government with other political parties. This agreement aimed to form a new election council. It also planned for investigations into past events and delayed elections until late 2022.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Henry spoke about Haitian migrants. He asked wealthy countries to help less-developed ones. He also promised to find those responsible for President Moïse's assassination.
Henry later dismissed members of the Provisional Electoral Council. He postponed elections and promised to appoint a new council. He hoped to hold a constitutional vote in February 2022 and elections in early 2022.
In November 2021, Henry named a new cabinet of ministers. He also became the acting Minister of Culture and Communication. On 1 January 2022, Henry faced an attack in Gonaïves. He accused "bandits" of trying to assassinate him.
Henry stated that the next President would be chosen by the Haitian people. He rejected attempts by some groups to form a transitional government. He also said he would announce the election date soon.
In February 2022, Henry said he would cooperate with the United States in the investigation of President Moïse's death. He believed improving security was key to holding elections. He also said elections would be organized by the end of 2022.
In September 2022, Henry announced a reduction in fuel subsidies. This caused fuel prices to more than double. It led to protests and a nationwide fuel shortage. Henry asked the international community for help.
In December 2022, Henry signed an agreement with political parties. This agreement aimed to hold general elections in 2023. A new government would take office in February 2024. It also created a High Council for the Transition.
In January 2023, protesting police officers attacked Henry's residence and the airport. Henry was at the airport but managed to escape. In February 2024, he said elections would happen when the security situation improved.
Political Crisis and Resignation
In February 2024, Henry traveled to Guyana and Kenya. He signed an agreement for Kenyan police to help in Haiti. When he tried to return, he could not land. Gang attacks had closed the Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Henry remained outside the country. On 11 March, he agreed to resign once a new Transitional Presidential Council was formed. He signed his resignation letter on 24 April 2024, from Los Angeles. The council was officially formed on 25 April.
Personal Life
Ariel Henry is the son of Elie S. Henry, who was a pastor and an elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His father passed away in 2015.
Ariel Henry is married to Annie Claude Massiau. He has siblings named Monique, Edlyne, Elie, and Elvire. His brother Elie is also a pastor and leads the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.
See also
In Spanish: Ariel Henry para niños
