Barbados Defence Force Medal Ceremony

BDF Media Release| 16 July 19

Photography credit: BDF Media

The Barbados Defence Force awarded servicepersons in a Medal Ceremony for their contributions to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR), Building Rehabilitation and to the CARICOM Disaster Response Unit.  Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Members of the Defence Board and the Deputy Executive Director of the Regional Security System presented the medals. HA/DR operations encompass a wide variety of tasks including security and relief supplies distribution needed in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event.

The Prime Minister in her feature address, reaffirmed the importance of the Barbados Defence Force in protecting Barbados’ values and interests; youth development through the Barbados Cadet Corps and Sports Programme and the support to our Regional brothers and sisters during perilous times. She further emphasized that the contributions made yearly and especially during the period of the Atlantic Weather Systems, the efforts made by the men and women of the BDF cannot be underscored or taken lightly.

It is through the recognition of these efforts that the Prime Minister encouraged and endorsed the strengthening of the Barbados Cadet Corps Sea Cadet Programme by 1,000 members.

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Prime Minister Mottley congratulated the members of the Force who received the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), General Service Medal (GSM) and the Regional Security System Medal (RSSM). The MSM was presented to Major Patrick Skeete for his contribution to youth development in Barbados and the Caribbean.

Seventy-eight (78) members of the BDF who participated in HA/DR relief operations under the auspices of the Regional Security System in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Operation SISSEROU in 2015. Included in the recipients of the GSM was Mrs Doreen Louis–Prescott, mother of the late Private Daniel Louis who died in a vehicle accident in December 2016. Fifteen servicepersons who participated in CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit operations in the British Virgin Islands in 2017 received the GSM or clasps.

The RSSM was presented to 232 servicepersons who participated in HA/DR operations in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Operation SUPPETIOR in 2017 and to members who participated in RSS disaster response housing rehabilitation operations in Barbuda in 2018.

In the military, the awarding of medals and commendations enjoy a richly symbolic purpose of duly recognizing its servicepersons. It is deeply rooted in the finest traditions of the profession-of-arms whereby ceremonies such as this salute the qualities of sacrifice, determination and courage.

 

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