CORNWALL, Ontario – The commander of the SD and G Highlanders probably never thought he would see the landscape of a country from the inside of a massive Russian troop helicopter – but there he is.
Col. Stephen Young has deployed to Haiti as part of a combined United Nations military cell that is responsible for helping officials in that country police elections.
His role as a long-term security planner/advisor means he flies out to remote parts of the country by helicopter – in this case the cavernous Mi-8 helicopter Russia has provided to the mission.
“(There are) long days but a chance to see some country from the window of an Mi-8,” he said in an interview.
In Haiti democracy is anything but an existential right at this point. Three rounds of elections for everything from national to local representation is scheduled before year’s end, including the presidential run Oct. 25 and municipal/regional balloting Dec. 27. The first round took place in August.
“If you had to walk several hours to a polling station, not knowing if someone was going to pull a gun on you, look over your shoulder while you voted or stuff your ballot box with pre-filled returns, would you take the time to vote? They do in Haiti,” said Young.
He said there are also cases of armed gangs roaming the area to threaten voters, ballot stuffing and other problems.
“It’s a real Third World Country,” said Young. “Although there have been problems, Haitian authorities are getting the job done.”
His duties take him to far-reaching areas in Haiti where he and other military/police planners work with local authorities to ensure voters are allowed to cast their ballots without fear of intimidation or violence.
“2015 is the first year that Haiti has been responsible for running its own elections, and for ensuring the security of the process, after the UN transferred that responsibility earlier this year,” Young said.
It’s likely his final overseas deployment. Young turns 54 in a matter of days, and at age 55 one is no longer allowed to volunteer for such missions.
He said he is missing not only his family and his beloved pet dog, but also the volunteer work he does as a Free Mason, and his fellow troops at the Armoury in Cornwall.
“I’m also missing the plowing match,” he said with a laugh.
Young returns to Canada in February.
