Jamaica Welcomes UN Security Council Renewal of Haiti Gang Suppression Force Mandate
KINGSTON: Jamaica has welcomed today’s decision by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti and is urging the international community to back the renewal with the personnel, financing and equipment needed to make the Force more effective for the next six months. The Council’s decision follows sustained advocacy by world leaders and foreign ministers from across the region and the globe, for continued international support to Haiti. Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith had reiterated Jamaica’s call for renewal of the GSF mandate during the delivery of the country’s National Statement to the 81st Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Saturday (September 26). Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Brian Wallace also delivered CARICOM’s statement to the UNSC this morning as part of the debate before the vote. The GSF is mandated to neutralise armed gangs, protect critical infrastructure and support humanitarian access, working alongside the Haitian National Police. Jamaica has contributed personnel to the Force and is a member of the Standing Group of Partners, which provides strategic direction and helps mobilise personnel and resources.
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