Jamaica is set to deploy 24 members from the local security forces to conflict-stricken Haiti to provide command, planning and logistics support.

The deployment comprises 20 members from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and four members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, September 10.

“Today we announce that Jamaica will begin its participation in the multinational security support mission with the deployment of 24 personnel to Haiti to provide command, planning and logistics support. The deployment is comprised of 20 JDF personnel and four JCF personnel. The security forces continue in a state of readiness to support further deployment towards our overall commitment as the mission in Haiti is scaled up,” Holness said.

“Jamaica has close fraternal ties to the people of Haiti, and we stand in solidarity with them. Jamaica also has a national security interest in the situation in Haiti, one of our closest neighbours. It is in our interest to support a long-lasting resolution to the problems in Haiti,” the prime minister continued.

The security personnel will be deployed to Haiti on Thursday, September 12.

“Here in Jamaica, we see the growing entrenchment of gangs who organise the production of armed violence with a view to economic gains, spreading terror in communities, and weakening the State’s guarantee to citizens security. We see this as an evolving existential threat to law and order and the proper functioning of institutions of the state,” Holness added.

Chief of Defence Staff Antonette Wemyss-Gorman shared that the security forces will be led by Colonel Kevron Henry, who will be the deputy commander of the security mission.

The 24 members is only a small number of the 200 security personnel previously announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to be deployed to Haiti.

“This is a build up to our commitment, none of the countries that have made commitments have deployed at once. It’s not practical, its not possible. Preparations have to be made in those countries and as those preparations are made then the possibility of scaling up happens, then we will on our side fulfil all our commitment. So this is start to what we intend to do and as the situation in Haiti is prepared for our presence we will deploy,” the Prime Minister explained.

The Belize Defence Force is also set to deploy two senior officers to Jamaica ahead of an assignment to Haiti.

More than 1,500 people have reportedly been killed in Haiti this year due to ongoing gang violence in the country.

Jamaica, along with several other Caribbean countries, have pledged their support for Haiti through the deployment of security personnel. Some 400 Kenyan police officers were also dispatched to Haiti in June to restore order to the country.