Haiti Leader Calls for Greater Oversight of Aid Groups

Jean-Max Bellerive, Haitian’s prime minister, said Thursday that the relief charities that poured into the country after last year’s earthquake need stricter supervision and the government is working to tighten regulation of such groups, writes the Associated Press.

Speaking to reporters at a conference on speeding stalled reconstruction efforts, Mr. Bellerive said foreign charities compete with the government for international aid and duplicate its services.

“We need them today,” he said. “But I need to know how much money they receive and from where.”

Under proposed legislation, foreign groups would have to register with Haiti’s government and provide more information on their activities and finances.

Mr. Bellerive will leave office on May 14, when President-elect Michel Martelly takes power. Mr. Martelly expressed support during his campaign for making foreign aid groups more accountable to the government.