The Kenyan Police, leading the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, received a significant boost on Friday, October 18, with the deployment of six members from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).
In September, the Bahamas agreed to contribute police personnel to the MSS, helping to provide the mission with a multinational presence that had previously been lacking.
This deployment will shift the perception of the MSS from being solely a Kenyan initiative to a collaborative international effort.
“The MSS family grew by one more member when the Bahamas plane landed at Louverture Toussaint International Airport carrying an advance team of six Royal Bahamas Defence Forces (RBDF),” read the statement in part.
The Bahamas announced plans to deploy a total of 150 personnel from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), with subsequent deployments expected in the coming months.
Bahamas Joins Kenyan Police
MSS Deputy Force Commander, Col. Kevron Henry, while receiving the Bahamas personnel, expressed optimism of more contributing countries deploying to the mission soon.
He reiterated MSS commitment in ensuring that the gangs are defeated for the people of Haiti to enjoy peace.
Kevron Henry thanked the Haitian National Police (HNP) for the good working relationship that has seen many areas pacified.
Also Read: Kenyan Police in Haiti Scores Major Win After Arresting Feared Gang Members
He promised that MSS would sustain patrols and operations as they wait for more equipment and personnel from different contributing countries.
On his part Bahamas Charge D’affaires, Julian Smith indicated that the Bahamas was joining the bigger family of MSS, where they will provide operational support and build the capacity of the HNP to counter gangs.
The advance team of the 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.
What RBDF Will Do in Haiti
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.
Also Read: Details of Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille’s Visit to Kenya After Gang Massacre
Additionally, the Bahamas will spearhead the prevention of illegal Migration by implementing measures to prevent it, 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.
Furthermore, 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 contribute to the overall security of the Caribbean region, preventing the destabilizing 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.
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