Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel have returned from a high-risk deployment in Haiti, describing their experience as both profoundly dangerous and deeply humbling. The marines, part of the initial RBDF contingent for the Regional Intelligence and Deployment Exercise in Port-au-Prince, reunited with emotional families after completing their tour of duty.
Leading Seaman Lyndon Rolle, prominently featured in local media embracing his young daughter, expressed the emotional weight of homecoming. ‘That’s my baby, I love her so much,’ he shared, noting the need to reconnect after his absence. His account revealed the extreme security precautions necessary throughout the mission, with personnel required to carry weapons at all times—even during routine activities like using bathroom facilities. ‘I’m trained for it,’ Rolle stated, ‘so it’s just a matter of being cautious.’
Beyond the security challenges, the mission provided stark exposure to Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. Rolle described sharing bottled water with local residents while stationed at a government post, noting their gratitude for what he characterized as an extension of ‘Bahamian hospitality.’ The profound poverty witnessed left a significant impression on the deployed personnel.
Acting Commander Alexis Brown addressed ceremony attendees, expressing pride in the team’s accomplishments within the gang suppression force. ‘The knowledge gained, lessons learned and professional networks established during this time have been invaluable,’ Brown noted, highlighting collaboration with Haitian National Police and international partners.
In media interviews, Commander Brown detailed the severe conditions encountered upon arrival, with widespread kidnappings and gang-enforced curfews paralyzing daily life. He observed encouraging signs of improvement toward mission’s end, citing the symbolic sight of citizens jogging publicly—an indication of returning normalcy.
RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey confirmed the mission’s success and praised the contingent’s performance. The commitment to regional security continues, with 18 additional RBDF personnel currently in training pending potential deployment authorization by the National Security Council.