Canada to send navy vessels to coast of Haiti over gang violence

Canada will send navy vessels to the coast of Haiti to gather intelligence as the Caribbean nation continues to reel from economic and political insecurity. The country is marred with violence, much of it driven by organised criminal groups.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision at a meeting of Caribbean leaders in the Bahamas on Thursday. Among the topics they discussed were the powerful armed gangs operating in the country, leading to widespread reports of murder, kidnappings and sexual violence.

The Canadian leader did not specify how many ships would take part in the effort or the duration of their mission. The announcement came during a meeting for CARICOM, the 15-member Caribbean trade bloc.

Right now, Haiti is confronted with unrelenting gang violence, political turmoil and corruption, Trudeau said. It is the moment to come together to confront the severity of this situation.