The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Not too long ago we all would have been made aware via announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Government of The Bahamas has pledged a 150 personnel contingent to a multinational force (spearheaded by Kenya) with the goal of stabilising Haiti and ending the ongoing crisis there.

The announcement was short on details, other than the number pledged and that Bahamian commitment would hinge on the United Nations sanctioning any multinational deployment into Haiti.

Like I imagine many Bahamians did, I had mixed personal feelings about our country committing serving men and women to what is doubtlessly a dangerous mission. On the one hand, I am sympathetic to the suffering of the Haitian people, and I believe that geopolitically what happens over there today matters over here tomorrow. On the other hand, I am cognisant of the pressing needs of our own nation.

I am not sure how to square that circle, but I eagerly awaited more information about our commitment.

Then, it was revealed by the Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force several days later while responding to media inquiries that he had not been made aware of the government’s intention to commit to such a force until personally reading it in a newspaper.

This was alarming. The Commodore is the overall commanding officer of our armed forces. A very public international commitment had been made, and it is likely the bulk or entirety of the pledged 150 strong force will be RBDF personnel. How had the Commodore not been consulted on such a commitment? How can we expect success if our military leadership is sidelined and kept out of the loop from the get go? Had we based our commitment on any sound military strategy?

For now, it appears the proposed multinational force is still in a lull. But the fact remains we have made a serious commitment which we may someday soon be called to honour.

Much is at stake in Haiti. If we are serious about this, we need to realise that our goals will likely mean placing Bahamian men and women in harm’s way. Their safety and the safety of our mission depends on the Commodore and other senior officers being involved and kept in the know at every level.

If we wish to win respect as a nation for our willingness to take on this fight, we should in turn show respect to the men and women we expect to fight on our behalf.

JAMES ALBURY

Nassau,

September 11, 2023.