In a significant move to bolster regional security, Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), led a high-level delegation to Haiti last week. The delegation included Jerusa Ali, Ambassador and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Commander Julian Smith, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Bahamas Embassy in Haiti. Accompanied by additional Bahamian military personnel, the group joined the Gang Repression Force (FRG) operations, aiming to combat organized crime and restore stability in Haiti. They were warmly received by Godfrey Otunge, Force Commander, and Vladimir Paraison, Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH).
Commodore Moxey reiterated the Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the FRG mission, highlighting the deployment of a third Bahamian contingent. While the exact size of the contingent remains undisclosed, Moxey praised the FRG officers for their professionalism and resilience in the face of challenging operational conditions. He emphasized that Haiti’s security is intrinsically linked to the stability of the entire Caribbean region, citing risks such as human displacement, illicit arms trafficking, and transnational crime. ‘Haiti’s instability poses a threat to us all,’ Moxey stated.
Jerusa Ali expressed deep gratitude to the Haitian National Police and international partners from Kenya, Jamaica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Bahamas for their courage and teamwork. She underscored the Bahamas’ commitment to supporting Haiti through security, political engagement, and diplomacy. Ali also announced plans to open a new Chancery in Port-au-Prince, signaling the Bahamas’ long-term dedication to Haiti’s recovery. She highlighted the transition from the MMSS to the FRG under UN Security Council Resolution 2793 as a pivotal moment for regional collaboration.
In a joint address, Vladimir Paraison and Commander Otunge reaffirmed the FRG’s determination to dismantle gang networks, restore security, and protect the rights of the Haitian people. They vowed to prevent criminal groups from regaining influence and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Haitian authorities, local communities, and international partners. ‘Impunity is over,’ they declared, asserting that all resources are now aligned under a unified strategy to combat crime on land, sea, and air.
The Bahamian delegation concluded their visit by interacting with deployed troops at LSA1 before departing Haiti, leaving a strong message of solidarity and resolve.