Corporal Kenny Sultan from the Seychelles Special Forces Unit recently returned to the country after having formed part of an international training team deployed to Haiti under the mandate of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme.
The Basic Navigation & Seamanship training, conducted in Cap Haitien, Haiti, from September 8th to October 25th 2024, was facilitated by the UNODC through the support of the Canadian Government in order to provide assistance to the Haitian Coast Guard.
Haiti faces significant economic challenges and struggles with high income inequality and instability, making it one of the less affluent countries in the Caribbean. The Haitian people have faced numerous challenges over the years, including political, social, and economic issues, which have been exacerbated by recurring natural disasters. Lawlessness and gang violence have overshadowed all aspects of daily life, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The training team comprised of Cpl Sultan and two other instructors from France and Mauritius, respectively. The main purpose was to evaluate, enhance and transmit skills and knowledge to the Haitian Coast Guard. As in Seychelles, UNODC support is aimed at capacity building and skills development for member state maritime law enforcement units. Cpl Sultan has been a UNODC-certified national Maritime Law Enforcement instructor since 2022 and has participated in the delivery of several local training programmes undertaken by the UNODC at its regional centre for the western Indian Ocean in the Seychelles.
Cpl Sultan described his deployment as a life-changing experience because it was the first time performing as an instructor at an international level, especially in a country that is currently facing severe insecurity and enhanced safety measures.
His selection for such a deployment not only highlights the professionalism and skillset that our service personnel possess, but also the close collaborative partnership that our Defence Forces have with our international partners. His exemplary performance throughout his deployment has also been recognized by both the Haitian Coast Guard and other international partner agencies.
