Minister Abrahams’ statement on Ismail Patel’s passing

Below is the full statement by Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams:

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Ismail Patel, a founding member of the Roving Response Team in Barbados with Call Sign RT1. 

In 1994, his foresight, with others like Yousf Dokrak, et al., for the need to have a team of able-bodied resource persons who could provide, in the initial stages, logistical support to the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) during emergencies, crises, or disaster events, paved the way for the well-trained, well-equipped, and well-coordinated Roving Response Team as we know them today. 

An avid racing enthusiast, Ismail, who initially established the RRTs Operations Centre in his workshop, was central to the DEM’s Mass Crowd Operations and other national emergency response interventions.  

He also encouraged the RRT’s support, which continues today, to the Urban Search and Rescue programme with the Barbados Fire Service and the training of the Barbados Citizen Band Radio Association and the District Emergency Organisation. 

Ismail unhesitatingly provided support in any way he could and was always willing to assist and respond wherever and whenever required.  Even when he took ill and was unable to get around, he was still willing to provide any support required from his home. 

Ismail was also very supportive to charitable causes, and this commitment to worthy causes continued right up to his death. 

On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information and the Department of Emergency Management, I wish to recognise the yeoman service rendered to the emergency management fraternity and the country of Barbados by Mr. Ismail Patel (RT1) and extend sincerest condolences to his family and the members of the Roving Response Team. (PR)