Brigadier General William E. Temple, a senior US official from the Maintenance and Support Services Organization (MSSO) held a closed-door meeting with Godfrey Otunge, Kenya Mission Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Kevron Henry, Deputy Force Commander for Jamaica.

Otunge briefed General Temple on the deployment phase of the Mission while appreciating the deployment of the Jamaicans and Belizeans. Otunge highlighted the progress made and some of the challenges they have faced since the arrival of the first Kenyan contingent on 25 June 2024. He stressed the need to establish forward bases to maintain areas that have already been pacified and critical infrastructure that has been retaken from gangs. Otunge also highlighted the need for helicopters for evacuation and response during security operations.

During his discussion with the Mission leadership, General Temple appreciated the progress and achievements of the Mission. He promised to quickly address some of the challenges that were highlighted. He then inspected the armoured vehicles that the US has delivered to the Mission before touring LSA2 to appreciate the facilities. Temple stressed the need for a robust supply chain and replenishment framework where vehicle parts are quickly put to use to ensure that security operations are uninterrupted. He reiterated the commitment of the United States to support the Multinational Security Support Mission.

The visit of Brigadier General William E. Temple, was timely as the MMSS is approaching the start of decisive security operations. Other contributing countries are expected to deploy their troops as soon as possible. The Bahamas will deploy its troops next week according to Godfrey Otunge

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre