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Canadian Armed Forces members sent to Jamaica to train CARICOM troops for multinational security support mission in Haiti
From: National Defense
Press release
March 30, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defense / Canadian Armed Forces
Yesterday, approximately 70 members of the Canadian Armed Forces left for Jamaica. At the request of the Jamaican government, they will provide training to military personnel from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries who will travel to Haiti as part of the Kenyan-led, UN-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS).
As part of the Canadian mission, dubbed Operation HELIOS, CAF members will provide training in core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid, in addition to conducting validation and integration exercises for CARICOM troops. This Canadian training will prepare CARICOM troops to participate in deployment as part of the Kenyan-led and UN-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS) in Haiti to support the efforts of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) with a view to restoring security for the Haitian people. It will take place at the Canadian Armed Forces operational support hub in Jamaica.
The Canadian soldiers participating in the deployment mainly come from the 1st Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment in Valcartier, Quebec. Their deployment will last for an initial period of approximately one month. The Canadian Armed Forces expects to train approximately 330 CARICOM troops from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica.
This instruction is just one way Canada is supporting the Kenyan-led MMAS and building the capacity of CARICOM partner countries. In February, Minister Joly announced an investment of $80.5 million to support the deployment of MMAS.
Operation HELIOS also builds on Canada’s ongoing efforts to increase the capabilities of CARICOM countries for participation in United Nations missions. In January 2024, the CAF conducted courses for approximately 300 defense personnel from the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica. The training covered a wide range of topics, including protection of the civilian population, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. All troops must undergo such training before participating in UN-authorized peacekeeping missions.
Citations
“Canada is determined to support the Haitian people, who are working to create a peaceful and more prosperous future. By helping our CARICOM partners prepare for deployment for UN-authorized MMAS, Canada is answering the call with important contributions to security in Haiti. We will continue to support Haitian efforts to create stability and we thank all FAC members involved for their contributions to this mission. »
The Honorable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defense
“I would like to thank the members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and support for the successful deployment of the MSS mission, a crucial step in the restoration of security, public order and democracy in Haiti . As we have stated from the beginning, Canada believes in solutions put forward by the Haitian people to resolve the political, security and humanitarian crises in Haiti. We will continue to work with Haitian stakeholders, CARICOM and international partners to strengthen the security and justice sectors, as well as to protect the Haitian people and encourage their efforts to restore peace, public order and prosperity in the country. »
The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Aiding the Latin America and Caribbean region is just one way the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to global peace and security. We are working with our partners and international organizations to develop optimal strategies to assist Haiti while continuing to facilitate training and logistical support for this operation. »
Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
Quick facts
In October 2023, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing the deployment of an MMAS to Haiti and Kenya volunteered to lead it. The MMAS aims to help the Haitian National Police stabilize security conditions to allow inclusive, free and fair elections to be held in Haiti. The Jamaican government has agreed to take the lead in planning and pre-deployment efforts for the CARICOM contingent.
Training will take place at the CAF Operational Support Hub (OSC) in Jamaica. This CSO, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of four hubs that the CAF maintains around the world in partner countries that provide logistical support to operations and enable the rapid movement of CAF members and resources into the region. . CSO in Jamaica was first activated in 2016.
The FAC is a critical component of the whole-of-government initiative to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti. Security assistance is one of the four pillars of Canada’s whole-of-government response to the crisis in Haiti, which also includes diplomacy, sanctions, and humanitarian and development assistance. The CAF also contributes to the Interdepartmental Working Group, led by Global Affairs Canada, which guides Canada’s support and contributions to Haiti-led efforts aimed at resolving the current interrelated political, security and humanitarian crises.
In February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced $123 million for projects in support of Haiti, including $80.5 million that will be channeled through a United Nations trust fund, which will support the deployment of the MMAS led by Kenya which will support the efforts of the PNH to improve security conditions in Haiti for the civilian population.
For more than 30 years, Canada has contributed to all UN peace missions in Haiti to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Contributions have included financial assistance and sending members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as correctional officers.
