x
Breaking News
More () »

Haiti's prime minister resigns following protests over government's attempt to raise fuel prices

The protests left a Bradenton youth group stranded on the island nation for two additional days.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant has resigned amid widespread unrest following his failed attempt to increase fuel prices.

Lafontant told Haiti's Chamber of Deputies on Saturday that he sent President Jovenel Moise his resignation letter.

The deputies had called on the prime minister to answer questions after violent riots took place between July 6 and 8 in protest of the government's attempt to raise fuel prices by up to 51 percent.

At least seven people were killed and dozens of businesses were looted or destroyed during three days of demonstrations.

The protests also left a Bradenton youth group stranded in the country for two days. The group from Woodland Community Church remained in the rural village of Neply until travel was safer instead of driving along main roads where demonstrators expressed their outrage over Haiti's plan to increase gas, diesel and kerosene prices between 38 and 51 percent.

The group safely returned home on Monday.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used for this story.

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.

Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out