Jamaica Deploys Security Personnel to Haiti as Part of Multinational Mission

Kingston, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Tuesday that Jamaica will begin its participation in the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. A total of 24 personnel from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be deployed to provide command, planning, and logistics support as part of the country’s commitment to aid in stabilizing its neighboring Caribbean nation.

The deployment consists of 20 JDF personnel and four JCF officers, signaling Jamaica’s readiness to contribute to regional security efforts. Holness emphasized that the country stands in solidarity with Haiti, underscoring the importance of close ties between the two nations and Jamaica’s vested interest in Haiti’s future stability.

Today, we announce that Jamaica will begin its participation in the Multinational Security Support Mission, with the deployment of 24 personnel to Haiti to provide command, planning and logistics support.

The deployment is comprised of 20 JDF personnel and 4 JCF personnel. The… pic.twitter.com/LKnazYsfQa

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) September 10, 2024

“Jamaica has close fraternal ties to the people of Haiti, and we stand in solidarity with them. We also have a national security interest in the situation of one of our closest neighbors,” said Holness. “It is in our interest to support a long-lasting resolution to the problems in Haiti.”

Holness pointed to the growing influence of organized gangs in Jamaica and across the region, noting how they represent a serious threat to law and order. He highlighted that the situation in Haiti serves as a cautionary example of what could happen if these threats are not effectively addressed.

“The entrenchment of gangs who organize armed violence for economic gain is an evolving existential threat to the state’s proper functioning and security in several countries in the region,” Holness said. “Haiti is the example of what could happen to states if governments do not take the problem seriously and put in place the necessary measures.”

The mission to Haiti is part of a broader effort by Caribbean and international partners, including the United States and Canada, to bring stability to the country, which has faced ongoing political turmoil, gang violence, and humanitarian crises. Holness expressed gratitude to Jamaica’s international partners for their support.

Holness also commended the Jamaican security forces, wishing them well on their mission. “I know their conduct will be exemplary, and they will take every precaution for their safety,” he said.

The deployment marks a significant step in Jamaica’s involvement in regional peace and security initiatives, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to working alongside other Caribbean nations to bring much-needed stability to Haiti.

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