Opposition: “We Need To Know The Status Of The Men And Women In Haiti”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As violence and instability continue to escalate in Haiti, concerns mount here at home over the safety of Bahamian personnel deployed as part of a multinational mission.

Shadow Minister for National Security and Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement, Shanendon Cartwright, is now calling for transparency from the government.

Shanendon Cartwright – Shadow Minister, National Security, FNM
“As an opposition, and Bahamians have been watching the situation in Haiti and the deterioration in Haiti. The fundamental question the Bahamians are asking now is, what is the status of the safety of the men and women who are there in Haiti?”

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated rapidly in recent months. Gangs have overtaken parts of the capital, hundreds of lives have been lost, and critical infrastructure is in ruins.

In response, a multinational security support mission led by Kenya was mobilized to stabilize the region.

The Bahamas is among several nations that answered the call for help, pledging to send one hundred and fifty troops from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to support the mission.

But with growing concerns over security conditions, Shadow Minister for National Security, Shanendon Cartwright, is urging the government to be transparent about the agreement.

Shanendon Cartwright – Shadow Minister, National Security, FNM
“We have been made to understand that there are growing concerns, and we wish for the government to be transparent about the status of the situation in Haiti, uh, especially as it relates to the safety of, of the men and women there. And so that the determination can be made about where we are headed as it relates to this policy, and how do we continue to protect the lives and the interests of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas, um, Defence Force.”

This topic was being brought to light after a Facebook post was being circulated alleging the Bahamian men and women sent to Haiti were being mistreated.

In response, the Ministry of National Security released a statement pushing back against claims that RBDF officers have been left in unsafe or unsupported conditions.

The statement notes that all personnel continue to receive their full salaries and benefits, plus advanced hazardous and hardship allowances.

The Ministry emphasizes that Bahamian officers are not on the frontlines but are instead performing command and logistics roles in a secure support area.

The Ministry also confirmed ongoing support, including scheduled Zoom calls with the Minister and personal visits from Commander Julian Smith to assess conditions.

Still, Cartwright says the government must do more to keep families informed and to evaluate whether deployment is in the best interest of national security.

Shanendon Cartwright – Shadow Minister, National Security, FNM
“We’re asking the government to come clean as it relates to that situation. ’Cause all Bahamians, and particularly the families, um, of those men and women who are in Haiti, are very, very concerned.”