The Haitian National Police (PNH) celebrated its 30th anniversary this Thursday, June 12, 2025, during an official ceremony held at the National Police Academy (ENP).
The ceremony brought together presidential advisors Leslie Voltaire, Smith Augustin, and Edgard Leblanc Fils, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and members of his government, PNH Director General Rameau Normil, representatives of the diplomatic corps, officers of the Multinational Security Support Mission, and others. This day provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, sacrifices, and hopes that have shaped this key institution of the country's security for the past 30 years.
The Haitian National Police (PNH) was born out of adversity. True to its motto: "To Protect and Serve," the PNH has established itself as an indispensable pillar for the protection of lives and property in Haiti. Over the past 30 years, the institution has endured adversity, including social, political, and security crises. Despite these challenges, it has maintained its cohesion and continued to promote the fundamental values that inspired its creation: fraternity, respect, loyalty, fairness, and professionalism.
During his speech, Rameau Normil, Director General of the PNH, highlighted the institution's resilience in the face of multiple pressures. "Despite numerous turbulences and attempts at instrumentalization of all kinds, the PNH has remained faithful to the noble values that motivated its founding. Although it faces operational problems, it maintains its internal cohesion." "It is subject to social and political pressures, but it resists temptations," said Mr. Normil, who also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the PNH during his first term at the helm of the institution.
A Sacrifice for National Security
The PNH has paid a heavy price in fulfilling its mission. Rameau Normil recalled the sacrifice of the many police officers who have fallen in the line of duty. "Several hundred police officers murdered, dozens missing, many injured living with disabilities... They have not always received fair recognition from the Nation," he lamented, requesting a minute of silence to honor their memory. "These often unsung heroes leave behind families seeking justice and reparations," he added.
This day was an opportunity to pay tribute to these martyrs, whose supreme sacrifice is a reminder of the intensity of the fight against the gangs and criminal networks that plague the country. Rameau Normil emphasized the importance of transforming this sacrifice into a source of inspiration to achieve decisive victories against insecurity. "Our small victories herald greater ones to come," he declared, praising the bravery and heroism of the police officers who daily confront gangs and terrorist groups on various fronts.
Structural Challenges and Strategic Ambitions
Despite its constant dedication, the National Police (PNH) faces significant structural challenges, such as insufficient staffing, a lack of equipment, and often difficult working conditions. However, this has not prevented the institution from strengthening itself through the fighting, learning lessons from its recent confrontations with gangs. Mr. Normil emphasized that the PNH can and must respond to the population's despair, provided it receives adequate resources.
A Political Commitment to National Security
In his speech, Councilor-President Leslie Voltaire paid tribute to the courage of the police officers in their fight against insecurity. He also paid tribute to the fallen officers, emphasizing the urgent need to rethink the national security strategy. "The Haitian government is currently reviewing its national security strategy. In-depth discussions are underway, alongside decisions aimed at eliminating and neutralizing armed gangs," he announced.
The presidential advisor emphasized the importance of close collaboration between political authorities and security forces. "Political authorities and security forces must strengthen their cooperation in both the planning and conduct of operations on the ground," he added, praising Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and his government for their commitment to combating insecurity.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the presence of the head of government at the ceremony symbolizes the state's commitment to supporting the Haitian National Police. In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, it was reiterated that the institution, under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, remains an essential pillar of national security and the restoration of state authority.
For 30 years, our police have mobilized to protect and serve the population, as required by its motto. On this occasion, I thank and salute all the police officers who continue to sacrifice themselves every day to fight the gangs and weapons that sow unrest among the population... We will continue to support the police, in order to provide them with all the necessary resources so that they can provide greater satisfaction. We are committed to maintaining order and security throughout the country," wrote Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé on X.
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