Day of the Seafarer observed

A CROSS section of the general public in Barbados now have a greater appreciation for the Regional Security System (RSS) as the organisation gave civilians a glimpse into work they do. Celebrating their 40th anniversary of service over this past weekend, the regional body hosted part of its 2022 Day of the Seafarer activities with an open day event at the BCGS Pelican on Sunday.
With the Day of the Seafarer established to recognise and honour the contributions of all who work towards the security, health and economic activity within marine spaces, the RSS took the opportunity to open the doors to the headquarters of the Barbados Coast Guard – a major partner in the operation of the System. The group of visitors to the base were treated to demonstrations of open water chases and rescue simulations as well as the casting of fishing nets.
In addition to gleaning how different parts of the
RSS’s wide remit operate, the tour group were also educated on some of the changes and challenges experienced over the years which include the expansion of its course offering and, in more recent times, international issues with shipping.
Speaking to The Barbados Advocate, RSS Deputy Executive Director Graham Archer explained that his organisation had rendered yeoman service to the region and was looking forward to the future to see what other work needed to be done to ensure maritime security.
“The RSS has evolved in the 40 years since then and we now do so much more. I don’t think that there is any question that RSS has contributed in a massive way to the security and wellbeing of all of our member states and the wider Caribbean. We also collaborate quite a bit with CARICOM IMPACS and the other security cluster agencies andwedoalotofworkon behalf of CDEMA,” Archer said.