New Police Chief Faces Gangs, Bahamas Supports Regional Effort

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Vladimir Paraison assumed office as Haiti’s National Police Chief on Friday, pledging to lead the fight against armed gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince and displacing over 1.3 million people this year, according to the United Nations.

A seasoned officer wounded in combat with gangs, Paraison vowed, “We the police will not sleep,” showing his determination to restore order in a country ravaged by violence that has claimed thousands of lives.

However, the challenge remains immense as gangs, labeled terrorist groups by the U.S., continue to dominate the capital, while Haiti’s police and army, even with limited U.N. support, remain stretched thin.

Meanwhile, the Bahamas is actively contributing to regional security efforts. Since October 2024, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has deployed troops to join a multinational mission supporting Haitian police and working to restore peace.

Migration also plays a key role. A 2025 report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows nearly 67,500 international migrants live in the Bahamas, with Haitians making up the largest group at more than 17,700. Between 2021 and 2024, the Bahamas forcibly returned over 7,700 Haitian nationals, with many working in construction or skilled jobs, reflecting the deep ties between the nations.

On Paraison’s appointment, Haiti’s Council President Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized, “Everything rests on one thing: security.”

For the Bahamas, peace in Haiti is not just a distant hope but a critical regional necessity, with hopes for a brighter future ahead.