Can't read it? Listen now!
A Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel is set to return to offshore patrols near Haiti this week after undergoing repairs, according to Commodore Raymond King. The vessel was temporarily pulled back to The Bahamas for maintenance after experiencing operational issues during its mission.
Speaking at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s annual church service, Commodore King emphasized the importance of maintaining the vessel’s mission. He confirmed that the ship would complete a six-week patrol rotation and then be replaced by another RBDF vessel to ensure continuous monitoring of the region.
The deployed vessel, HMBS Lawrence Major, returned for repairs on Sunday due to issues reportedly involving air conditioning and plumbing systems. While Commodore King declined to elaborate on specific challenges, he assured that necessary spare parts had been delivered to the vessel in Great Inagua to restore it to operational status.
The HMBS Lawrence Major, part of the RBDF’s 60-meter fleet acquired in 1998, reflects broader challenges faced by the force’s ageing vessels. Commodore King acknowledged that the fleet’s age has led to more frequent breakdowns, requiring corrective maintenance and limiting operational efficiency.
The RBDF’s commitment to the Haiti mission involves 150 officers supporting a multinational effort to address instability and gang violence in the region. An advance team of six officers was deployed to Haiti in October, with ongoing updates and precautions to ensure their safety.
“We have responded, but I look forward to getting 60-meter craft back into our area of operation as quickly as possible,” Commodore King said.
Kenya leads the multinational operation but has faced significant challenges in countering gang activities. The ongoing crisis in Haiti has also raised concerns about increased illegal migration to The Bahamas, which could further strain resources.
The RBDF is bracing for an expected uptick in migration from Haiti due to potential policy changes in the United States. Commodore King noted that migration flows had declined last year, largely due to measures implemented by the Biden administration. However, these policies may be rescinded under a new U.S. administration, which could reignite migration attempts.
The Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining stability in Haiti underscores its role in regional security and humanitarian efforts. Despite challenges with its fleet, the RBDF continues to play a critical part in the multinational mission and broader efforts to manage migration in the region.
Source: The Tribune.
