Haiti is accusing Canada of delaying the delivery of promised armored vehicles, which is hindering its plan of clearing violent gangs from Port-au-Prince. INKAS, the Toronto-based company responsible for making the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, says it is working as fast as it can despite chain disruptions and mistakes by Haitian officials. However, the majority of the 18 armored vehicles ordered by Haiti have yet to arrive, says the country’s acting justice minister, Emmelie Prophète-Milcé. Violent gangs have controlled most of Haiti’s capital for a few months, causing a shortage of essential goods, medical care, and a rise in sexual assaults. As part of its response, Canada is airlifting armored vehicles to the country, but there are delays in the delivery, according to Prophète-Milcé. Meanwhile, the company INKAS says between seven and ten vehicles have already been delivered, with four more going out shortly, and four more slated for a few weeks after that. According to the managing partner of the company, Eugene Gerstein, two main reasons cause the delays: Haitian officials constantly change their minds on modifications, and part of the supply chain has short supplies. Canada, which opted to support Haitian police rather than intervene militarily, has not yet responded to Haiti’s accusations.
Toronto company denies Haiti’s accusation of unfulfilled commitments.
