After a dangerous deployment in Haiti, Staff Sergeant Raymar Rookwood returned home with a medal, a deeper appreciation of a country he says is far more than the violence dominating the headlines.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier was among the personnel who served on the island as part of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, which was established to help Haiti’s National Police restore security amid escalating gang violence.

His service has now earned him the MSS Mission Medal, awarded to personnel who serve in support of the mission for at least six months.