STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA BY BAHAMAS’ CHARGE D’AFFAIRES JULIAN SMITH ON THE BAHAMAS’ ROLE IN THE MULTINATIONAL SUPPORT MISSION IN HAITI

Commander Julian Smith, Charge D’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Republic of Haiti delivering remarks.

Good afternoon. First, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign AffairsH.F.M, and Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas we extend congratulations to the people of Haiti on its 218th Anniversary celebration of Haiti’s Dessalines Day, your cultural holiday celebrated on October 17th each year. It commemorates the life of Jean–Jacques Dessalines, the man who led Haitians out of slavery and became the Nation’s first president and Emperor.

Members of the Haitian Government your Excellency’s and members of the Diplomatic Core, Director General Rameau Normil and Deputy Director Peyo Smith of the Haitian National Police, Colonel Kevron Henry, MSSM Deputy Force Commander, Senior officers and leaders of various countries armed forces,members of the press and the Haitian people.

In accordance with UNSC Res. 2966 (2023) and UNSC Res. 2751 (2024), and in coordination with the Government of the Republic of Haiti and contributing member states to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), The Bahamas has signed the Status of Protections Agreement (SPA) and has entered the pre-deployment phase of providing operational support and building the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter gangs and improve security conditions in the Republic of Haiti. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel, who have been training for this support mission with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Joint Task Force (JTF), have begun deploying to Port-au-Prince this week. Subsequent deployments will occur in the following months.

The Bahamas views this Multinational effort led by Kenya as a demonstration of African leadership and support for the African Diaspora. This mission is about creating the security conditions required for political transition, which has begun under  H.E. Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Council and H.E. Garry Conille, Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti.  Haiti’s security is our security.

Their Mission, as guided by the on-the-ground needs will focus on:

1. Maritime Patrols: Conducting continuous and coordinated maritime patrols in Haitian territorial waters to deter and counter threats to maritime security.
2. Port Security: Ensuring the safety and functionality of strategic ports in Haiti, facilitating humanitarian aid, economic development, and political stability.
3. Preventing Illegal Migration: Implementing measures to prevent illegal migration, ensuring the safety of Haitian citizens and preventing human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.
4. Countering Illicit Trafficking: Disrupting and deterring illicit trafficking activities, including narcotics, weapons, and contraband, to safeguard regional security.”
5. Intelligence Cooperation: The RBDF, as a CARICOM counterpart, will collaborate closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners to coordinate efforts, share intelligence, and pool resources for a more effective response.
6. Regional Security: By enhancing maritime security and counter-trafficking efforts, the mission contributes to the overall security of the Caribbean region, preventing the destabilizing effects of illicit activities.
7. Supporting Political Stability: The mission’s activities align with broader efforts to restore political stability in Haiti by creating a secure environment for peaceful political processes to take place and further support The Bahamas’ active involvement in the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) process.

Bahamian Embassy Staff with MSSM troops.

The Bahamas reiterates the importance of continued and sustained financial support from donor countries to ensure that the UN Trust Fund is able to fund MSSM operations until such time as the mission becomes one of peace-keeping. Any serious effort to bring relief, development, and a peaceful political transition in Haiti requires an economic component. The annual budget for the MSSM has been estimated at $US600 million. There is a $200 million deficit of the funding which needs to be pledged to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund. The Ministry wishes to encourage donor states to pledge and deliver on additional financial commitments to support the Haiti MSSM whether to the Trust Fund, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), or in the form of direct bilateral aid.

Commander Julian Smith

Charge d’ Affaires

The Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to The Republic of Haiti.