The Haitian government has taken a new step in its security strategy by declaring several properties located in the commune of Tabarre, in the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Embassy, as being of public utility.
The decision, formalized in a decree published in Le Moniteur (special issue of March 24, 2026), concerns an area of 1,289.24 square meters located along the western side of the diplomatic compound.
Relying on the provisions of the amended 1987 Constitution and the laws governing expropriation for public utility, the State justifies this measure by the need to equip the area with modern security infrastructure.
“Properties, land, and buildings located on the western side of the premises housing the Embassy of the United States of America, covering an area of one thousand two hundred eighty-nine square meters and twenty-four square decimeters (1,289.24 m²), are hereby declared of public utility in the commune of Tabarre,” states Article 1 of the decree.
The designated perimeter is defined by geographic coordinates outlining four main points: Point A (72°14’36.29’’ West, 18°34’04.98’’ North), Point B (72°14’37.27’’ West, 18°34’15.75’’ North), Point C (approximately 72°14’52’’ West, 18°34’16.12’’ North), and Point D (72°14’35.22’’ West, 18°34’05.12’’ North).
“These properties are intended for the construction of infrastructure aimed at strengthening the security system in this area,” the decree specifies.
According to the document, a series of protective measures comes into force immediately upon publication. “From the date of publication of this decree, all construction work, road development, land subdivision, or any other form of land use, as well as any real estate transaction or transfer, are strictly prohibited within the defined area,” states Article 2.
The decree also provides for the immediate activation of the Permanent Amicable Acquisition Committee, tasked with conducting property assessments and ensuring compensation for affected owners.
“For the entire area concerned, expropriation of owners holding legal titles or the recovery of state-leased or unlawfully occupied properties will be carried out in accordance with the laws of September 5, 1979, on expropriation for public utility, and July 28, 1927, amending the law of January 29, 1926,” specifies Article 3.
The committee is responsible for gathering the necessary data and evaluations to ensure fair and equitable compensation, in full respect of occupants’ rights.
Property owners and leaseholders have a period of fifteen days from the publication of the decree to submit their ownership titles or any supporting documents to the General Tax Directorate, located at No. 93, Tabarre 27.
“The present decree shall be published and executed at the initiative of the Ministers of the Interior and Local Authorities, Justice and Public Security, Economy and Finance, and Public Works, Transport and Communications, each within their respective responsibilities,” concludes the final article.
