Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, pinning a medal on Major Alva Hope while BDF Chief of Staff Colonel Alvin Quintyne looks on. (C. Pitt/BGIS)????

The multi-dimensional, complex mission undertaken by officers of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) to maintain national security in the aftermath of the fire and subsequent uprising at Her Majesty’s Prison at Glendairy, has come in for high praise from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.

He made this observation last Saturday, while delivering the feature address during the presentation of awards and medals to members of the BDF at its St. Ann’s Fort Headquarters.

Noting that the time-sensitive mission had challenged all ranks mentally and physically, he commended the officers for working beyond the call of duty and executing their duties with professionalism.

??"I have noted carefully that not one prisoner escaped from Glendairy or from any of the temporary prison locations.?? I regard this as testimony to the invaluable supporting role played by the soldiers of the BDF and by members of other local and regional security forces that were involved in this operation," Mr. Stuart underlined.

The Prime Minister further stated that the swift and decisive response by officers and enlisted ranks of the BDF had contributed immeasurably to "the establishment and maintenance of a safe, secure and peaceful environment, in the aftermath of this national crisis".

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the BDF, Colonel Alvin Quintyne, described the Glendairy Prison uprising as "a mission of great diversity in tasks and complexity never before witnessed in the life of this young force".

In light of this, he expressed gratitude to the officers for their selfless response and dedication to duty.

During the ceremony, 555 officers and reserves received medals.?? Of that number, 23 received the Meritorious Service Medal, 460 the General Service Medal and 72 clasps which are to be worn on the ribbon of the General Service Medal.

jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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