Soldiers joining the ranks of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) should expect to be called on to render assistance in areas other than defence and security.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, outlined this fact as he addressed 42 new soldiers during their passing out parade at St. Ann’s Fort on Saturday.
“You, 42 new members of the Barbados Defence Force will be called to service to assist in the ongoing fight against the scourge of illegal gun violence within Barbados, or to protect our borders from transnational illicit trafficking.
“Additionally, there is a possibility that you may be deployed to an RSS or CARICOM Member State on a joint and combined mission with security, engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster response lines operation,” he outlined.
Mr. Abrahams said that over the years the BDF’s role had evolved from the traditional provision of defense and security to include a range of multi-dimensional, intertwined and complex challenges.
He added that the BDF built a solid reputation for its contribution to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Barbados and abroad.
The Minister highlighted the Force’s assistance rendered during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic through screening at the ports of entry, testing, transportation, accommodation, delivering care packages and providing logistical support for the COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
In addition, he noted that over the last two years, the BDF conducted a number of operations. These included an RSS deployment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the volcano’s eruption, humanitarian assistance to Barbados after the passage of Hurricane Elsa, and support to the Barbados Prison Service when a COVID-19 outbreak occurred at its institution.
During his address, Mr. Abrahams also spoke to the BDF’s establishment of a Field Medical Facility, to render medical assistance to CARICOM countries, post a disaster impact.
“…The military is a unique profession. It is one of the only professions to knowingly put one’s life in harm’s way, and one may be required to pay the ultimate sacrifice in defense of one’s country. The military is the last line of defense in Barbados when all else fails,’ he said.
To the recruits, the Minister stressed that the call to service in the BDF required that they maintain a high standard of professionalism and discipline.
“You are obligated to consistently demonstrate impeccable moral and ethical conduct to maintain the trust of this nation which is so readily reposed to the members of the Defence Force,” Mr. Abrahams urged, adding they should always strive to put their best foot forward.
The award for Best Recruit went to Recruit Jonathan Greenidge; while Laquon Wiggins, was judged as the Runner Up. Recruit Niesha King, captured the award for Best at Drill; Recruit Ishaem Ellis, the award for Best at Fitness; and Recruit, Shawn Holder, the award for Best Shot.
The recruit training team comprised personnel from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 68 recruits started on the journey, but only 42 were enlisted into the ranks during Saturday’s ceremony, following 16 weeks of training.