The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) will host a number of activities this year, to mark 45 years of service under the theme Proven Excellence, Shaping the Future.
The planned events will focus on health and wellness, environmental responsibility, and family, as well as showcase the careers available within the BDF.
The activities were announced yesterday by Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell, at St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St. Michael.
The first activity will be a Force Community Project across the island on Saturday, March 16. Members of the BDF will clean, renovate, and uplift several public and private spaces, including the homes of elderly persons, a public primary school, Brandons beach, and the Whitepark Wesleyan Holiness Church.
A team will also conduct an underwater salvage dive and clean-up at Carlisle Bay on that day.
There will be a four-part Anniversary Lecture Series on March 27, August 28, September 25, and October 30, at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus’ Three Ws Oval.
The first lecture on Wednesday, March 27, will be delivered by former Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Colonel, the Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, who will speak on the contribution of the Barbados Regiment over the past 45 years and its role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The other presenters in the lecture series will be announced in due course.
The Force will host an open day for the public entitled the BDF Military Experience, on Saturday, May 11, to allow locals and visitors to view its military capabilities. The Paragon Base and BCGS PELICAN will be open to the public for tours, mini-lectures, military displays, and capability demonstrations.
Hundreds of troops from the United States and across the region, who will be in Barbados for Exercise TRADEWINDS, will also be present. There will be military helicopters, military fighting and engineering vehicles, and other military grade hardware for the public to enjoy.
The next event will be an “enhanced” Anniversary Church Service, on Sunday, August 11, at the Wildey Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael, at 10:00 a.m. It will take the form of a worship concert, and those attending will be treated to a line-up of talent from BDF personnel and local gospel artistes.
On Saturday, August 17, the 45th Anniversary and Change of Command Parade will take place at St. Ann’s Fort. The event will see representation from Defence Forces across the region.
The BDF will also host an Anniversary Breakfast Party on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate both its 45th anniversary and the 120th Anniversary of the Barbados Cadet Corps. This event, which will be open to the public, will be similar to the “old army fetes”. It will feature live performances from some of Barbados’ best entertainers and the best of the BDF’s talent.
Additionally, there will be an anniversary/commemorative tree planting on Monday, September 23, a Wellness Fair, and ‘Run Cadet Run’ event on Sunday, September 29, as well as a family Fun/Sports Day on Friday, October 4.