Barbados welcomes Frigate ARA Libertad

BARBADOS welcomed the Frigate ARA Libertad, the Argentine Navy’s training vessel, yesterday as the massive tall-ship docked for the first time at the Flour Mill, just off The Mighty Grynner Highway.

While many were somewhat disappointed that the ship’s spectacular sails were not open, as the vessel approached, many jaws dropped as they realised members of the crew were stationed on the yardarms of vessel.

Government officials, high ranking military officials and representatives from the Argentine Embassy were on hand to greet Commanding Officer Juan Carlos Romay and his crew of 286 persons, including 46 naval cadets. The cadets would have concluded four years at the Naval Academy and must complete one year on board the ARA Libertad where they will undergo practical training and assessments before officially becoming naval officers.

The ARA Libertad is currently on the final leg of its 48th annual training voyage to a select group of counties. It is against this backdrop that the visit to Bridgetown is historic, since this is the first time that the ship is visiting the island.

Yesterday’s event was held under the slogan “Argentina and Barbados: 50 years of Friendship,” and with great fanfare, which included a gun salute and the simultaneous playing of music on the dockside with the band on board the ARA Libertad, as they were received by members of the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Coast Guard and the Barbados Sea Cadets.

Argentine Ambassador His Excellency Gustavo Martinez Pandini described the inaugural voyage as “a historic day for the relationship between Argentina and Barbados”.

He also thanked the Government of Barbados. “... Not only because of the possibility of having this beautiful event organised jointly, but especially for being so close, so warm and so helpful with the embassy of Argentina.

“These two years have been great years of cooperation. We have been doing a lot of work in different areas – art, agriculture, culture, sports, maritime affairs, apiculture and many other areas. I think this is the best way to crown a beautiful time of working together with the visit of the beauty of Libertad.”

The Frigate departed Argentina on August 17 and will navigate over 23 000 miles visiting 15 ports in ten countries. After leaving Barbados on Wednesday, the vessel will move on to Brazil, Uruguay and return to Argentina on January 25.

The historic ship will be open to the public, free of charge, on Monday and Tuesday between the hours of 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

A cultural programme highlighting the cultures of the Argentina and Barbados was held on Sunday evening on the dockside of the Flour Mill. (JH)