The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (UKMoD) and the Department of Emergency Management held an Opening Ceremony for Project Caribbean Cohesion; a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Course at the Hodgson Hall Conference Room, St Ann’s Fort.

Project Caribbean Cohesion HADR, will be facilitated by Mr Richard Gordon, Director of Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC) and Mr Jamie Martin, an Associate Lecturer of BUDMC. The Course, the second of a tri-series being conducted in Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados caters to a wide cross-section of disaster management professionals and national emergency organizations.

The NIFCA award-winning Barbados Cadet Corps Band (BCC Band) held their fundraising concert at the St Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School on Saturday 23 March 2019, under the direction of Captain Len Cummins.

Barbados Cadet Corps Headquarters (BCC HQ) and the members of the BCC Band extend sincere appreciation to the many patrons who attended and continue to show their support to them for this year’s Band Camp and activities.

Embrace the Past; Celebrate the Present; Chart the future, was the theme of the Barbados Coast Guard’s 40^th Anniversary Church Service held last Sunday at the Whitepark Wesleyan Holiness Church. The Service was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Since its establishment, the responsibilities of the Barbados Coast Guard (BCG) have expanded significantly. The interconnected and multifaceted Caribbean region, is threatened by the steady escalation of illicit trafficking; primarily of illegal drugs and small weaponry through its prized tranquil waters. Commander Mark Peterson, Commanding Officer of the Barbados Coast Guard indicated that the Barbados Coast Guard’s role in Port and Maritime Security will continue to increase, as the organisation ensures that the safety of those visitors and locals alike is protected through enhanced port and maritime security patrols as well as the establishment of special teams to respond to threats of terrorism.

The Other Ranks and Civilians Christmas Cocktail Function, was held at the Officers’ Mess St Ann’s Fort the Garrison, under the theme “Christmas at the Fort: One in Celebration”. Traditionally this Christmas event is conceptualized, designed and staffed by the Officers, Warrant Officers, Senior Civilian Staff and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Regular and Reserve Units of the Barbados Defence Force. 

This event is used to express appreciation for the unwavering support provided to the Senior Members of the Force. It also serves as recognition for their dedicated and professional service rendered to the people of Barbados and the region during the year 2018. 

The Barbados Defence Force bade farewell to another of its stalwarts in a Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Major (retired) Courtenay Averill McConney B.S.A; OSt.J ED, at the St Matthias Anglican Church on Saturday 5 January 2019. He was interred at the Military Cemetery, Gravesend. 
He enlisted with the Barbados Regiment in 1950 and among his many appointments, served as Adjutant in the Barbados Regiment in the 1960s and 1970s and was the Commanding Officer of the Barbados Coast Guard Service when it was a civilian-based entity and located at Enterprise, Christ Church.

During his distinguished public service career, he worked in several departments and ministries, including Customs and Excise, the Ministry of Defence and Security and with the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation. He was a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade until he retired as Commander in 1998.

The Barbados Defence Force bade farewell to one of their stalwarts, Lieutenant Commander (retired) Peter John Tomlin, SCM at Barbados Military Cemetery, Gravesend on 20 Dec 18. 
Lt Cdr. Peter Tomlin as commissioned as 2Lt in the Barbados Regiment in 1963.

During his service he made valuable contributions to the Barbados Defence Force and to the Regional Security System. 
He authored the book Caribbean Cocktails and Coups.

We will Never Forget.