Prime Minister Philip Davis speaks to reporters outside the Hansard Building on Thursday. Photo credit Dante Carrer.
NASSAU, The Bahamas--Prime Minister Philip Davis has ordered an immediate, involuntary departure from Haiti of all diplomatic personnel, as soon as security conditions permit.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, the security situation in Haiti had become less stable over the prior three days, therefore steps were being taken out of an abundance of caution.
“The pattern of security concerns is one of ebb and flow and these withdrawals are sometimes necessary to regroup. The security forces in our country have been alerted to these developments. As soon as conditions permit, a team will be sent back into Haiti without further announcement,” noted the statement.
“Up to this time [Thursday – Ed.], there was a voluntary departure order in place and all staff at the embassy chose to stay. Per the new instructions, they are to leave for home as soon as conditions permit.”
The statement noted that this is only a temporary measure in light of recent developments, which require a corporate security and intelligence assessment and restaging.
“This morning [Thursday], the chargé reported that they had been stopped by Haitian police and relieved of their vehicle and weapons. This is part of a protest by the Haitian National Police against their own authorities.
“All of our diplomats are personally safe.”
The statement also mentioned a report about five Bahamians from Bahamasair who landed at Port-Au-Prince Airport and were unable to leave the environs of the airport.
“They are all safe and well.” ~ The Nassau Guardian ~
