Jamaican and Haitian Leaders Confer on Security Challenges in Haiti

During the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness discussed Haiti’s security crisis, focusing on Jamaica’s military support within the UN-sanctioned Multinational Security Support Mission led by Kenya, aimed at restoring stability following President Jovenel Moise’s assassination.

In a significant meeting during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Prime Ministers of Haiti and Jamaica convened to address the ongoing security crisis in Haiti. Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille engaged in discussions with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, emphasizing the urgency of stabilizing the situation in their Caribbean neighbor. Prime Minister Conille noted, “I was pleased to discuss with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica the continued deployment in the coming weeks of Jamaican troops to be part of the Mission in Haiti and the equipment promised, particularly to help protect the bay of Port-au-Prince.” He highlighted the collaborative experiences shared in combating armed gangs that plague the nation. Prime Minister Holness remarked on the necessity of restoring stability, emphasizing, “Our discussions focused on returning stability to Haiti, the support provided so far, including from Jamaica, as well as the expansion of support that is required to return the country to normalcy.” This meeting reinforces Jamaica’s commitment, alongside other CARICOM nations, to providing military support to the United Nations-sanctioned Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya, which aims to restore peace following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Recently, Kenyan President William Ruto reiterated his plan to transition the MSS into an official UN peacekeeping operation, indicating that additional troops from Kenya are being prepared for deployment shortly.

The ongoing security situation in Haiti has reached critical levels following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021. The political turmoil has led to rampant gang violence and instability, prompting international intervention. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, particularly Jamaica, are undertaking measures to support Haiti through deployments of troops as part of a United Nations-sanctioned mission aimed at restoring order and peace in the nation. This gathering at the United Nations signifies a crucial platform for Caribbean leaders to discuss cooperative security measures and diplomatic interventions in the face of extensive regional challenges.

The dialogue between Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the UN General Assembly highlights the collaborative efforts needed to address Haiti’s security crisis. Their discussions indicate a shared commitment to peace and stability, underscoring the role of CARICOM nations in supporting Haiti’s recovery efforts. The planned deployment of Jamaican troops as part of a larger multinational mission reflects a proactive approach to restoring order in a nation grappling with profound challenges.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com