For Multinational SeDefence Headquarters 18 OCT. 2024 –In a strong show of regional solidarity, Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis, accompanied by senior government officials, attended the official send-off of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers set to be deployed to Haiti. This mission is part of a wider regional initiative aimed at stabilizing Haiti, a nation still grappling with significant unrest.
Almost 30 years after the Bahamas first answered the call to support Haiti—when 141 Defence Force officers participated in a United Nations peacekeeping operation between 1994 and 1996—the Bahamas has once again committed to assisting. A six-member advance team from the RBDF will be joining the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), an effort spearheaded by CARICOM in partnership with international allies such as Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize. This coordinated mission will provide critical support to help restore peace and stability in Haiti.
Prime Minister Davis, who also served as Chair of CARICOM in 2023, was joined by Acting Minister of National Security Leon Lundy, Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin, Deputy Commander Defence Force (DCDF) Captain Shonedel Pinder, and members of the RBDF Executive Command. Former Commander Defence Force, Commodore Clifford Scavella, who led the initial Bahamian peacekeeping mission in Haiti three decades ago, was also present, adding a historical resonance to the occasion.
This RBDF deployment is notable not only for its mission but also for the groundbreaking inclusion of the first-ever female RBDF officer to be deployed on an international mission, a milestone moment that reflects The Bahamas’ commitment to gender equality and leadership within its armed forces. The team’s expertise spans several areas crucial to the mission’s success, including Conduct & Discipline, Command Headquarters Assistance, Operations, and Administration.
The team’s mission, shaped by on-the-ground needs, will focus on several key areas:
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- Maritime Patrols: Conducting coordinated patrols to deter threats to maritime security within Haitian territorial waters.
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- Port Security: Securing strategic Haitian ports to facilitate humanitarian aid, promote economic development, and bolster political stability.
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- Preventing Illegal Migration: Implementing measures to curb illegal migration, protect Haitian citizens, and prevent human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.
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- Countering Illicit Trafficking: Disrupting narcotics, weapons, and contraband trafficking to safeguard regional security.
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- Intelligence Cooperation: Collaborating closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners to share intelligence and coordinate resources for a more effective mission response.
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- Regional Security: Contributing to the overall safety of the Caribbean by addressing destabilizing illicit activities.
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- Supporting Political Stability: Creating a secure environment to enable peaceful political processes, aligning with broader efforts to restore Haiti’s political stability.
The RBDF personnel will serve for six months in Haiti, a challenging but necessary deployment aimed at making a significant impact on the region’s security. Their participation not only enhances The Bahamas’ role in regional security but also supports broader CARICOM-led efforts.
Although Prime Minister Davis did not make any official remarks at the send-off, his presence underscored the Bahamian government’s dedication to supporting regional security and promoting peace in the Caribbean. The commitment to this mission reflects the broader leadership of The Bahamas in supporting its neighbors in times of need.
The send-off was also attended by representatives of the RBDF Chaplaincy Office and Family Support organization, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by the deployed officers and their families. For these families, this mission brings both the weight of separation and the pride of knowing their loved ones are contributing to a greater cause.
This deployment serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Bahamian people and reinforces The Bahamas’ longstanding tradition of offering a helping hand to its neighbors in times of crisis.
Under Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King’s leadership, the Defence Force ensures personnel are equipped, trained, and prepared for maritime security, disaster relief, and peacekeeping. This extends to domestic and regional operations, fulfilling our responsibilities with professionalism and preparedness.
Written by CPO A Rahming, Able Seaman Michael Turner
Photos by Able Seaman Able Seaman Macmillan Estilien