They are happy to be home after a lengthy mission to Dominica, but members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) are also happy to have served.
The HMBS Leonard C Banfield docked at the HMBS Pelican, signalling the end of the Coast Guard’s three-month excursions to the hurricane hit CARICOM nation yesterday.
HMBS Leonard C Banfield electronic technician, Leading Seaman Taria Jackman described the mission as simply “an experience”, having been on nine rotations.
“In 2015 I experienced the first storm, which was Erica and now to experience Maria, it was a vast difference,” said Jackman who noted the BDF would always be there to assist in the event of a disaster.
“It was hurtful in terms of seeing the devastation and how the people were going through the emotions of it. The situation with them is sad and it can happen to anyone in the Caribbean, but I know once the BDF and Coast Guard is on board, there will always be a helping hand,” she continued, adding that Dominicans were great people.
Her crew mate Leading Seaman Shane Sobers also had been on nine rotations, with his first eight being as ship medic.
Sobers said he was responsible for the health of those on board, whether crew or civilian, and described his trips to Dominica as an eye-opener.
“I’ve been to Dominica before, but that was before the effects of the hurricane and it was now a big wow for me, I had a chance to go inland and really see the damage that was caused and it was really eye-opening for me,” he added.
While shocked by what he had initially seen during his voyage, Sobers said he did note resurgence in activity in Dominica in the months since the storm hit on September 18.
“Through the progression of the trips, I actually got to see the island catch back itself. The dock we went to, when we first went there it was in complete disarray,” he explained.
“Now it’s operational, you’re seeing a lot of traffic and electricity so you can see the island is really picking back up and getting back on its feet. I’m happy to be a part of that,” Sobers said. (AD)
