Yesterday, approximately 70 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Jamaica. At the request of the Jamaican government, they will provide training to military personnel from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations who are set to deploy to Haiti as part of the United Nations-authorized, Kenyan-led, Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
On the Canadian mission in Jamaica, known as Operation HELIOS, CAF members will provide training on core peacekeeping skills and combat first aid - and carry out validation and integration exercises for CARICOM troops. This Canadian training will prepare the CARICOM troops to deploy on the Kenyan-led MSS mission and to bolster the Haitian National Police (HNP) in their efforts to restore security for the people of Haiti. This Canadian-led training will take place at the Canadian Armed Forces' Operational Support Hub in Jamaica.
The Canadian personnel being deployed are drawn primarily from the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment from Valcartier, Quebec. Their deployment will last for an initial period of approximately one month. Canadian Armed Forces expects to train approximately 330 CARICOM troops from Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas.
This training is just one way that Canada is supporting the Kenyan-led MSS mission and building the capacity of CARICOM partner nations. In February, Minister Joly announced an investment of $80.5 million to support the deployment of MSS mission.
Operation HELIOS also builds on Canada's ongoing efforts to increase the capacity of CARICOM nations to participate in United Nations missions. In January of 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces led training courses for approximately 300 members of the defence personnel of Jamaica, Belize, and Bahamas. The training covered a range of topics including the protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, and conflict-related sexual violence. All troops must undergo such training prior to participation on UN sanctioned peacekeeping missions.
