Trinidad & Tobago decides against offering military aid to Haiti

The Rowley administration announced on Tuesday that it would not be providing military support to address the security challenges in Haiti, where criminal groups are attempting to destabilize the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Last month, Henry traveled to Kenya and signed an agreement allowing the East African nation to lead a Multinational Security Mission (MSS) sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council. The mission aims to restore peace and security in Haiti, a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

During a press conference, Amery Browne, Trinidad & Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, stated the government’s stance on sending troops to join the MSS. He emphasized the country’s support for addressing the situation in Haiti through financial contributions and human resources provided to CARICOM initiatives, including the Good Offices efforts and the Eminent Persons Group.

Browne clarified that Trinidad & Tobago is currently unable to contribute military forces or police officers to the MSS. He reiterated Prime Minister Henry’s position on the matter, maintaining that Trinidad & Tobago is not in a position to provide boots on the ground for this effort.

The minister mentioned his participation in virtual discussions with CARICOM leaders to address the Haiti crisis and to stay updated on developments, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

In October of the previous year, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of the MSS to support Haiti’s police force, with Kenya offering to lead the mission. Additionally, a sanction regime targeting gang leaders and their financiers was renewed in 2022.

However, in January, the Kenya High Court ruled against the deployment of troops to Haiti as part of the MSS, citing constitutional concerns due to the absence of a reciprocal arrangement with the host government.

Nevertheless, the agreement signed in Nairobi, Kenya aims to address the court’s objections, allowing Kenya to send 1,000 police officers to Port-au-Prince.

Other CARICOM countries, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, and Antigua & Barbuda, have expressed their willingness to assist the MSS in fulfilling its mandate.