Troops thanked for lending assistance to D’ca
Colonel Glyne Grannum, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force welcomed the troop’s home and thanked them for what has been along mission assisting the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The troops arrived yesterday on the HMBS LEONARD C BANFIELD at Coast Guard headquarters, Spring Garden. Colonel Grannum told the troops, “You all have made a sacrifice not just for this particular rotation but the ten previous rotations in bringing much needed relief and aid to our fellow Caribbean neighbour, the Commonwealth of Dominica which was stricken by Hurricane Maria. The mission has been long and some of you have been there three times and we are happy for your safe return to Barbados. Also the collective team of the Barbados regiment, Barbados Coast Guard, our colleagues in the media, our colleagues at the regional security system and disaster response and mitigation community your contribution has been significant, valued and highly appreciated. This last rotation some of you would have sacrificed Christmas and the holiday season with your families to render service because we were needed to help Dominica back on their feet and we are proud of your efforts.”
According to him, “We look forward to standing together and being prepared for any adversity that may confront us in the future, whether it is here in Barbados or any of our neighboring islands. I thank the media who embarked on the vessels and were able to put life and a meaning of what was happening in Dominica which was instrumental in bringing the quality and volume of relief that was needed in Dominica. Relief and Rehabilitation is an ongoing process, even though this is the last rotation and the troops are back home safely, we need to continue help Dominica.
The troops conducted a variety of task with maintenance of law and order because the Commonwealth of Dominica police force was stretched. Therefore, the contribution of the Barbados Police Force and the Barbados Fire Service on previous rotations was significant to getting Dominica where it is today and indeed going forward.” (NB)