Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille at the United Nations to discuss Haiti’s security issues. They focused on Jamaica’s troop deployment to assist in the Mission in Haiti and the need for increased support to counter armed gangs and restore stability in the country following President Jovenel Moise’s assassination.
In a significant meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille engaged with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to deliberate on the precarious security conditions currently plaguing Haiti. Both leaders are convening in New York with a focus on enhancing regional stability in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation. During their discussions, Prime Minister Conille expressed gratitude for Jamaica’s commitment to upcoming deployments of troops to aid the multifaceted Mission in Haiti, emphasizing the necessity of additional equipment to bolster security, particularly to safeguard the Port-au-Prince Bay. He reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation in combating armed gangs that have exacerbated Haiti’s already dire circumstances. Prime Minister Holness reflected on their talks by underlining the focus on restoring stability to Haiti, acknowledging past support from Jamaica while also emphasizing the critical need for expanded assistance to help the country emerge from its current turmoil. Jamaica is among a limited number of CARICOM countries poised to contribute to the United Nations-sanctioned Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya. The international community’s response follows the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021, which ignited widespread unrest. Kenyan President William Ruto, who recently visited Haiti, has indicated ambitions to transition the MSS into a fully-fledged UN peacekeeping operation. Kenya has already deployed 400 security personnel and is preparing to send an additional 600, with training already underway for their imminent redeployment.
The meeting between the leaders of Jamaica and Haiti emerges against a backdrop of significant unrest and instability in Haiti following the assassination of its president. The nation has faced escalating violence from armed gangs, leading to a humanitarian crisis and a demand for urgent international intervention. CARICOM countries, particularly Jamaica, are stepping forward to participate in a multinational mission to restore peace and security, demonstrating regional solidarity amid Haiti’s challenges. The involvement of Kenya’s military underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis through collaborative efforts, aiming for a sustainable solution to the turmoil that has beleaguered Haiti for years.
In conclusion, the dialogue between Prime Minister Garry Conille and Prime Minister Andrew Holness represents a critical step towards mobilizing regional and international support for Haiti during a time of crisis. With Jamaica’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support Mission, there is hope for a concerted effort to stabilize the nation and eventually restore normalcy in the lives of Haitian citizens.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
