El Salvador Sends 2,000 Troops to Haiti to Locate Four Missing Technicians
The deployment follows an October ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets, while Caribbean nations pursue new energy and infrastructure agreements.
By Simon Bennett ·
El Salvador has dispatched more than 2,000 soldiers to Haiti to assist in the search for four military technicians who vanished in October. President Nayib Bukele confirmed the large-scale operation during talks with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The Salvadoran Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the deployment aims to rescue the four men and will be supported by various international organizations.
The four technicians disappeared on October 18 after their armored vehicle was attacked by gangs in the Croix-des-Bouquets district. Bukele indicated that El Salvador covers 90% of the mission costs and warned of serious consequences if the men are not returned. Both governments pledged to strengthen cooperation in security operations, and Haiti expressed solidarity with the families of the missing personnel.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader also addressed border security concerns. He stated that his country considers security a matter starting approximately 20 kilometers inside Haiti. Abinader said the Dominican Republic will not allow gangs to operate within that distance, describing the area as part of its security threshold.
In Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington. The leaders discussed expanding American investment in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. Lutnick described Guyana as an important ally for economic development in the Americas. The talks included plans to develop the country into a regional data center hub and improve connectivity to South America.
Caricom Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett called on member states to invest in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure during the launch of Caricom Energy Month. She urged governments to reduce reliance on imported fuels to strengthen regional energy security. Barnett emphasized the need to modernize electricity grids and expand energy storage technologies to withstand hurricanes and other disasters.
In Jamaica, the government is using Justices of the Peace to assist small business owners affected by Hurricane Melissa. The administration is distributing grants from a Ja$500 million recovery program. Eligible businesses must have had no more than 20 employees and annual sales below Ja$75 million. Successful applicants can receive up to Ja$350,000, plus an additional Ja$100,000 for replacing damaged equipment and stock.
Applications for the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Restoration Grant Initiative opened on October 6 and close on November 16. Applicants must provide Taxpayer Registration Numbers and photographic evidence of damage. The minister warned that applying is free and urged Justices of the Peace to verify the identities of self-employed workers for the Tools of Trade Grant.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines approved legislation to join the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, known as CAF. The move gives the island nation access to additional financing. The government will invest approximately US$2 million to purchase 141 shares, which could unlock up to US$8 million in borrowing for infrastructure and climate projects. The country's public debt currently stands at EC$3.6 billion, or about 113% of GDP.
