The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE first team of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers deployed to Haiti as part of a multi-national force has completed its six-week mission without encountering violence or gang activity.

Acting Commander Alexis Brown, commanding officer of HMBS Bahamas, and his team of 59 officers returned to The Bahamas on February 8, marking the end of the mission, which started on December 28. Their focus was providing maritime support in Haitian waters, aimed at tackling smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal migration, while supporting security operations in the country.

“Our time there was peaceful,” Commander Brown told The Tribune. “There were no arrests, no gang violence, and no need for serious intervention. We did a few boardings, but they were routine and without incident.”

During their deployment, the team carried out patrols along Haiti’s coastline to potentially intercept illegal firearms and drugs, as well as to prevent migrants from leaving the country by sea. Although Haiti continues to grapple with significant gang violence and political instability, Commander Brown noted that the officers did not directly confront any gangs during their assignment.

“We stayed on high alert throughout our deployment, given the security situation in Haiti,” he said. “But we didn’t have to engage with the gangs.”

This mission is part of the Bahamian government’s contribution to the international efforts to stabilise Haiti, in line with the Davis administration’s commitment to send a total of 150 RBDF officers. This force is working alongside other international troops, including Kenyan and Jamaican forces, to combat violence, facilitate humanitarian aid, and secure key ports.

Commander Brown said he wished his team could have done more to help tackle the violence that has devastated Haiti.

When asked if he wished to do more to reduce gang violence, Commander Brown replied, “Definitely.”

Haiti’s ongoing struggle with gang violence and social unrest has been a key focus of the multinational force, with international forces, including Kenya’s leadership, continuing to try to push back against criminal groups that have taken control of large parts of the country. The violence has led to more than 4,500 deaths this year alone, and an estimated 700,000 people displaced due to terror from the gangs.

At the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, regional leaders discussed Haiti’s crisis and future support. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley reiterated that while CARICOM countries have offered technical support, “boots on the ground” would have to come from larger nations with the necessary capacity.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced plans to send a command group to Haiti soon to help with logistics and coordination of future support efforts.