The Bahamas’ substantial involvement in a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti could begin by the end of December, according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who said two Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) patrol boats, the HMBS Bahamas and the HMBS Nassau, will be deployed by December 22, 2024 to monitor Haiti’s coastline, intercept smuggled weapons and ammunition, and prevent migrants from leaving the country.

Munroe summarized, "You have no maritime security, so people do whatever they like. You would be looking to stop contraband going in, people going out.”

Should be noted that the HMBS Bahamas and HMBS Nassau patrol boats are 60m vessels with a crew of nearly 60 men. These patrol boats are armed with several .50-caliber Browning M2 heavy machine guns and a light automatic cannon. They are commonly used to intercept illegal immigrants (especially from Haiti), for anti-piracy and anti-smuggling missions, for hurricane relief, for search and rescue, for routine patrols and to assist maritime police.

Minister Munroe clarified that the ships will not patrol simultaneously but will take turns, each ship could be deployed for missions of four to six weeks...

It should be recalled that the government of the Bahamas has committed to sending 150 officers as part of the MMSS.

SL/ HaitiLibre