EXERCISE TRADEWINDS has kicked off with more than 800 military personnel hailing from 19 countries.
Yesterday morning, regiments from those countries made their way to St Ann’s Fort, the Garrison, for the opening of the military training event, which will run in Barbados until June 12.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Colonel Glyne Grannum, said the exercise would focus on creating and maintaining regional relationships which were integral to responding to regional crises.
“We have long recognised the importance of regional cooperation and integration and it is for this reason that we are deeply honoured to host this important event.
“It places emphasis on improving interoperability, operational capacity and information sharing amongst our regional partners,” he added.
Exercise Tradewinds is a multinational maritime military exercise focusing on countering transnational organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
This year’s edition involves more than 800 military personnel from 19 countries and over 700 Barbadian volunteers. It will also feature a scenario in which Barbados and Trinidad are severely affected by transnational organised criminal activity from an overseas organisation.
As a response to the threat the crime syndicate posed to the two countries, regional forces will be deployed to the islands. (AD)