Canada Commits $35 Million to Bolster Caribbean Security and Fight Haitian Gangs

Canada announced a $35 million aid package aimed at strengthening security across the Caribbean region. The funding includes $7.5 million to support the Haitian National Police in its fight against gangs, $6.8 million for enhanced policing and information‑sharing to curb drug trafficking in neighboring countries, and $10 million to launch a regional drug‑trafficking task force.

Additional components target disaster recovery and peace efforts: project money will help Jamaica rebuild after Hurricane Melissa, and part of the package supports Colombia’s peace process. Canada also noted its recent ratification of a 1994 convention on gender‑based violence. While in the region, Canadian officials met counterparts from Mexico, Brazil and Panama, as well as the OAS head, amid broader trade discussions with Mexico and Mercosur.