AMID growing social unrest in Haiti following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, local law enforcement officials plan to deploy additional vessels out at sea to prevent "any potential mass migration" of Haitian nationals to the Bahamas.

“The Royal Bahamas Defence has taken the position to strengthen our strategic posture in the southeastern Bahamas,” Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King told The Tribune yesterday.

“We intend to allocate three 42-meter vessels as well as an enduring friendship vessel which we refer to as our strike boat asset. Also, we have an air asset. One of our aircraft will be deployed to that area to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to support our four vessels in that area.”

Commodore King spoke after Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield revealed on Wednesday that the Bahamas had closed its embassy in Haiti in response to that nation’s deepening crisis, noting it will remain shut until a way forward is determined.

A state of emergency was declared in Haiti on Wednesday hours after its president was shot dead at his home by a group of masked assailants shortly after 1am that day.

His wife Martine Moise was also shot in the attack and is currently in hospital.

Haitian police officials said seven “mercenaries” have been killed and six suspected assailants have since been arrested in connection with the assassination, according to international reports.

There are concerns the situation will see increased illegal migration from that area.

Officials will seek to prevent this through strong policing efforts.

The RBDF also will be assisted by their local and international partners.

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