The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) got a boost when the Bahamas advance team joined those already in Haiti to help combat criminal gangs terrorising locals.
Kenya leads MSS mission which is supposed to have 2,900 personnel.
A plane carrying advance team of six Royal Bahamas Defence Forces ( RBDF) landed at Louverture Toussaint International Airport on Friday, October 18 and were received by local commanders.
Col. Kevron Henry, MSS Deputy Force Commander, and Julian Smith, the Bahamas Charge D’affaires who was accompanied by senior members from the Bahamas Consulate office in Haiti welcomed them.
Senior PNH officers were also present to warmly welcome the Bahamas. Col. Kevron expressed optimism of more contributing countries deploying to MSS soon.
He reiterated MSS commitment to ensuring that the gangs are defeated for the good people of Haiti to enjoy peace.
He thanked HNP for the good working relationship that has seen many areas pacified and promised that MSS shall sustain patrols and operations as they await more equipment and personnel from different contributing countries.
Julian indicated that the Bahamas was joining the bigger family of MSS, where they will provide operational support and build the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter gangs.
The advance team of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel has trained with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Joint Task Force (JTF), hence expected to synergize the MSS contingents from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize already on the ground. Subsequent deployments of the Bahamas will be done in the coming months, officials said.
The Bahamas have indicated that they will deploy a total of 150 RBDF.
The Bahamas are bringing in special expertise in Maritime Patrols, where they will be leading in conducting continuous and coordinated maritime patrols in Haitian territorial waters to deter and counter threats to maritime security.
They will also spearhead Port Security by ensuring the safety and functionality of strategic ports in Haiti, facilitating humanitarian aid, economic development, and political stability.
Additionally, the Bahamas will spearhead the prevention of Illegal Migration by implementing measures to prevent illegal migration, ensuring the safety of Haitian citizens and preventing human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.
As a force multiplier to the MSS, the Bahamas will take lead in countering Illicit Trafficking by disrupting and deterring illicit trafficking activities, including narcotics, weapons, and contraband.
The RBDF, as a CARICOM counterpart, will collaborate closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners in enhancing maritime security and counter-trafficking efforts hence contributing to the overall security of the Caribbean region, preventing the destabilising effects of illicit activities.
The Bahamas is the fourth country to deploy to MSSM with other contributing countries expected to do so by the end of this year to complete the current deployment phase. Locals hailed the arrival of the Bahamas but called upon the remaining countries to deploy promptly.
Last week, the personnel on the ground staged an operation in a slum that left 20 gang members dead. Officials said during the clash, the team also brutally injured the second leader of the Kraze baryè gang, Deshomme.
Several items including firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, sensitive materials and equipment were seized during the operation.
The developments come against the backdrop of Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille's visit to Kenya where he asked for more personnel to be deployed.
He alongside President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi rallied the international community to do more to help restore peace in Haiti.
“Kenya and Haiti, therefore, stand united in calling on the international community to urgently rally behind this Mission. The adoption by the United Nations Security Council to extend the term of the MSS by another year signals strong global support,” Ruto stated.
"Words and pledges must be matched by concrete action. We therefore strongly implore our global partners to accelerate their contribution to the personnel, logistics and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the Mission," he added.
Over 700,000 people in Haiti have fled their homes and over five million are going hungry - nearly half the population, according to the United Nations.
Last month, the U.N. Security Council unanimously authorised extending the MSS's mandate by another year.
A U.S. push for a plan to turn it into a U.N. peacekeeping mission was dropped from the resolution due to opposition from Russia and China.