Jamaica Deploys Personnel to Support Haiti Mission

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the deployment of 24 security personnel, consisting of 20 members from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and four from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to Haiti on September 12 as part of a multinational security support mission to combat gang violence. This deployment is the first step in Jamaica's commitment to contribute 200 personnel to the U.N.-backed mission, which is currently led by Kenya. Holness emphasized the necessity of supporting Haiti due to the regional threat posed by gangs, which has escalated to a humanitarian crisis. The Jamaican team will provide command, planning, and logistics support and will operate under the leadership of Kevron Henry, collaborating with Kenyan forces. Despite logistical challenges, including delays in deployment and lack of funding for the mission, Jamaican officials remain optimistic about the operation's success. The initiative highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to restore stability in Haiti amidst escalating violence and humanitarian issues.