Canada intends to train troops from Caribbean countries for a mission in Haiti

Canada has sent about 70 soldiers to Jamaica to train troops from Caribbean countries who are scheduled to participate in a United Nations-authorized mission in Haiti, the Canadian Ministry of Defense announced today.

Kenya announced last year that it would lead the force, which aims to help police fight powerful gangs in Haiti, where escalating violence has led to a humanitarian catastrophe. The initiative has since been stalled by appeals in Kenyan courts, effectively putting the mission on hold.

The Canadian Forces, coming from the French-speaking province of Quebec, will provide training in basic peacekeeping skills and first aid to victims of hostilities, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. French is one of the two official languages ​​in Haiti.

The forces are scheduled to be stationed in Jamaica for an initial period of one month, and will train about 330 soldiers from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.

Canada said last month it would give C$80.5 million to support the deployment of the Kenya-led mission.