Bahamas to resume diplomatic presence in Haiti

The Bahamian government has announced plans to resume its diplomatic presence in Haiti, following the evacuation of its diplomats in March due to escalating violence as criminal gangs attempted to overthrow the government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell informed reporters that Cabinet has approved the return of Bahamian diplomats to Haiti. The Bahamian embassy, which comprises 11 local staff and nine diplomatic staff members including Chargé Commander Godfrey Rolle, is preparing for the reestablishment of its operations.

Mitchell also mentioned that the building housing the Bahamian embassy is up for sale, prompting officials to search for new premises.

“Defence Force officers are part of the security detail for the diplomatic mission in Haiti, and they will go ahead to assess and select a suitable location. The diplomats will follow once this is done,” Mitchell explained.

He also noted that the United Nations resolution authorizing the deployment of Kenyan troops to Haiti, which arrived last month, has been extended by a year.