Jamaican soldiers and police officers have arrived in Haiti to support the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. On Thursday, 20 Jamaican soldiers and four police officers landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge and Haiti National Police Director-General Rameau Normil greeted them.
Additionally, two senior military officers from Belize visited Haiti on a fact-finding mission before sending their security personnel. Jamaica, with Col. Kevron Henry leading the mission, is the second nation to contribute troops. Col. Henry will serve as the deputy to Mr. Otunge. “We welcome the Jamaican team. Their arrival will enhance our joint operations with local police, aiming to ensure better security for Haitians,” Mr. Otunge stated. He also mentioned that Kenyan forces have already significantly improved safety.
Mr. Otunge emphasized that the Jamaican team brings specialized skills to the mission. He called on other nations that pledged to deploy security personnel to do so soon, as the initial deployment phase is nearly complete.
Kenyan officers began arriving in Haiti in late June, with a second group arriving a month later. Jamaica announced its deployment on Sunday, but logistical challenges mean not all promised personnel could be sent at once. Other countries expected to send troops or police include the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Italy, Spain, Mongolia, Senegal, Belize, Suriname, Guatemala, and Peru.
Kenyan officers have been actively combating gangs in Haiti. Recently, gang leader Jimmy Cherizier “Barbeque” accused Kenyan police of using excessive force. Despite these claims, Kenyan officers have conducted successful raids and reclaimed territories.
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