John McCarthy
BRIDGETOWN — Barbados has reversed its decision to send troops to Haiti, citing escalating security concerns and a lack of global strategic planning.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kerrie Symmonds announced Saturday that Barbados would now focus on providing technical assistance rather than military personnel.
In a statement, Symmonds expressed concerns about the worsening situation in Haiti, emphasizing that the necessary global coordination to address it has not materialized.
“The environment in Haiti has become more dangerous, and we can’t send people into harm’s way without a clear plan,” Symmonds said. “We’re mindful of this [increasing danger], and you don’t want to send people in harm’s way unnecessarily. There hasn’t been the level of strategic planning globally that we would have liked.”
Originally, Barbados had committed to sending troops as part of a United Nations-backed multinational peacekeeping mission under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) umbrella.
Symmonds noted that Barbados would continue to provide technical assistance, such as specialized medical and training support, but sending military personnel was no longer being considered.
He also pointed to the Kenyan-led mission, which had expected continued U.S. support, but the U.S. elections have disrupted that.
The lack of movement from the U.S. government, especially following the elections, has stalled international efforts.
He expressed frustration with the lack of tangible progress, noting that discussions surrounding Haiti’s crisis have gone silent since the change in U.S. leadership.
Barbados’ position reverses as other countries have begun deploying personnel to Haiti.
Central American nations joined the international response last week with the arrival of 83 security personnel, including an advance team of eight soldiers from El Salvador and 75 military police officers from Guatemala.
