Jamaica to Dispatch Two Dozen Security Personnel to Haiti to Support Mission, Reports Reuters

Jamaica to Deploy Personnel to Haiti for International Security Mission

Kingston – Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced on Tuesday that his government will dispatch an initial contingent of 24 military and police personnel to Haiti. This deployment is part of an international security mission aimed at assisting the island nation in combating rampant gang violence.

Holness stated that the initial group will arrive in Haiti on Thursday to help establish a command structure in preparation for subsequent deployments.

In March, Jamaica had formally committed to sending 200 personnel for a U.N.-backed mission; however, the long-awaited security force has experienced delays in deployment. Its initial mandate is set to expire in less than a month unless renewed.

The mission is spearheaded by Kenya, which has so far sent 400 police officers to Haiti, out of a total pledged commitment of 1,000. In addition to Kenya, countries including Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize have also pledged to contribute at least 2,900 troops.

Several other nations have indicated their intention to provide unspecified numbers of personnel for the security initiative in Haiti, a Caribbean nation grappling with a humanitarian crisis that has affected more than 11 million people.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, a senior official in the Jamaican defense sector, revealed that the Jamaican forces will operate under the command of senior military officer Kevron Henry, who will serve as deputy commander alongside Kenya’s Godfrey Otunge.

"This is just the beginning of our efforts,” Holness remarked. “We aim for a highly successful operation, ensuring there are no shortcomings stemming from a lack of planning."

Challenges such as delays in salary disbursement and the provision of essential equipment have hindered the deployment process.

Haiti had initially requested international assistance in 2022 as armed gangs began to seize control of much of the capital and its surroundings, leading to escalating humanitarian issues marked by widespread displacement, sexual violence, child recruitment, and severe hunger.

Recently, Belize announced it would send two senior officers to Jamaica to assist with preparations for the Haitian mission.