Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Commodore Errington Shurland, has hailed Exercise Tradewinds 2024 (EXTW24), as a symbol of a shared partnership among regional forces to protect the region from various security threats.
He expressed this view today during the opening ceremony of the military exercise at the Barbados Defence Force’s Paragon base in Christ Church.
Commodore Shurland maintained that Exercise Tradewinds underscored the region’s collective commitment to fostering regional security and stability, and expressed optimism that the lessons learnt would bolster the region’s capability to adequately cope with any situations that may occur.
He stated: “Exercise Tradewinds is a clear demonstration of the enhanced cooperation and readiness of our partner agencies in safeguarding the Caribbean region… The value of Exercise Tradewinds has been realised time and time again and this year’s exercise is particularly timely in assisting us in the preparation for the hosting of the International Cricket Council’s T 20 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
“It is anticipated that the lessons learnt, from Tradewinds, will bolster the region’s ability to effectively manage and respond to any threat and circumstance that may arise.”
The Chief of Staff maintained that some of the scenarios embedded in EXTW24 would focus on countering transnational organised crime and violent extremists’ groups, and cyber security, among other emerging threats.
He added that the experiences gained from the exercises would be used to assist officials in finalising CARICOM’s standard operation procedures, while enhancing regional cooperation and stability to effectively respond to security threats.
Commodore Shurland urged participants to “reap as many benefits as you can” from the training since the exercise signalled the collective commitment of partner agencies to foster regional security and stability of the Caribbean region’s borders.
Meanwhile, Co-director and Lead Planner of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) for the two-week military campaign, Commander Mark Peterson, said EXTW24 was not only an opportunity to train together and build camaraderie, but was a “testament to our commitment to peace, security and stability in our region and beyond, given the geopolitical issues regionally and internationally”.
“We must ensure that our collective efforts are centred on countering transnational crime and countering violent extremist organisations and efficiently responding to threats…,” he underlined.
Deputy Commander of the US Army SOUTHCOM Brigadier General Monie Ulis, told participants that the unified show of forces was “a demonstration of our enduring relationship and commitment to enhance disaster preparedness and regional security as we continue to work together.”