Canada and the Bahamas, which are both a part of the Commonwealth, have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping closer cooperation on regional security, Haiti and wider Caribbean affairs. A meeting between their foreign ministers in Toronto prompted this decision.
Anita Anand, who is Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, met Bahamian Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Mitchell on September 29 on the sidelines of an international conference. The main focus of the conference was on the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war. The discussions also included the continuing effects which keep continuing due to Russia’s – Ukraine’s – war.
A significant part of the meeting focused on Haiti, where continuing insecurity has become a giant concern for Caribbean governments and international partners. Canada welcomed the Bahamas’ involvement in regional efforts supporting Haiti’s political transition and long-term stability. The Bahamas has participated in CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group and has also worked to build international backing for the Gang Suppression Force operating in Haiti.
The timing of the discussions comes as the United Nations Security Council has renewed the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force for another six months. The force aims to enhance security in Haiti before the scheduled elections in December, despite its deployment falling short of the initially planned level.
Recently Canada has also announced C$25.4 million in new assistance for Haiti, which targets areas including security, governance, community resilience and efforts that are made against organized crime. Ottawa has said that supporting stability and preparations for credible elections remain important elements of its engagement with the country.
Beyond Haiti, Canada and the Bahamas discussed cybercrime and broader regional security challenges. Canada reiterated its support for strengthening Bahamian institutions through capacity-building programmes which are aimed at tackling transnational organised crime and improving maritime security.
The discussions form part of Canada’s broader relationship with CARICOM, where security, maritime cooperation and Haiti have become increasingly interconnected issues. Canada and CARICOM have previously highlighted the need for cooperation on organized crime, cyber resilience, intelligence sharing and maritime security.
The latest meeting therefore reflects efforts to deepen practical cooperation between Canada and Caribbean partners while addressing security challenges affecting the wider region.
