Martelly names entrepreneur as prime minister

PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haitian president Michel Martelly has appointed entrepreneur Daniel-Gerard Rouzier as his prime minister, the first major selection of his new administration, Chamber of Deputies president Saurel Jacynthe told AFP.

"It is definitely Rouzier who's been designated," he said.

A member of Martelly's cabinet, who did not wish to be identified, had previously said that Martelly had "written to the presidents of the two chambers of Parliament to let them know he has chosen Mr Daniel Rouzier as his prime minister."

The announcement was reached after a series of meetings between the new head of state and parliament, where Martelly's party has only three deputies.

To be confirmed, Rouzier must receive a favorable vote in each of the parliament's two chambers, which are dominated by the Inite party of former president Rene Preval.

Rouzier runs several successful Haitian companies, has studied administration in the United States and has a masters degree in accounting.

He has also published three books, including "The Power of Ideas" (2002) and "To Believe, To Love and to Hope," which appeared in 2006.

Rouzier owns one of the biggest bookstores in Haiti and is an avid collector of Haitian art and 20th century French comic books.

He is married and the father of three children.