COVID-19 Sensitization
BDF Media Release| 18 Mar 2020
Photography credit: Able Bodied Seaman Bryan T
The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) conducted a COVID – 19 sensitization briefing with its members in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Port Health Medical Officer, Dr. R.A. Manohar Singh MD, Dip. Chest & Lep, Dip. Cmed, Dip. HSM, MPH. COVID – 19 is a new strain of the novel Corona virus, identified in January by the Chinese authorities, not previously identified in humans. Dr. Singh reminded the Command and Staff of the BDF that although the virus was first discovered in Wuhan China, it has affected every continent and is rapidly spreading.
Coronaviruses are said to be a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). They can also lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people. Dr. Singh advised at the possibility that the main cause of the virus’ spread, is due to the illegal trading of live food in Wuhan Food Markets, known to sell over 112 live animals.
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The members of the BDF were also informed that the symptoms of the novel coronavirus are:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties.
4. Aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
Dr Singh cautioned that while these symptoms may seem easy to detect as they are mostly external they are also mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. However, about 80% of persons infected without the need for any special treatment. It was recommended that persons with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should see medical attention especially older persons, and those underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are most likely to develop serious illness. This virus can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. WHO has set out the following guidelines as safety precautions from COVID – 19.
1. Travellers arriving from a country of a concern you must inform the port of Entry officer.
2. In the case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness either during or after travel, the travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately and share their travel history with their health care provider.
3. Maintain social distancing.
4. Wash your hands frequently.
5. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
6. Practice respiratory hygiene
Highlights
Commodore (Cdre) Errington Shurland enlisted in the Barbados Defence Force in February 1984.
Colonel Glyne Grannum joined the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) on 18 October 1985 and underwent career development training at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School, Chilliwack and the Combat Training Centre, Gagetown New Brunswick, Canada. He subsequently attended the Infantry Training Centre and the Signal Wing in Warminster, UK (PCBC and RSO Courses respectively), the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy; the Lester Pearson Canadian Peacekeeping Centre, the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College, Kingston, the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, Toronto, the National Defence University of the People’s Liberation Army People’s Republic of China and the Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies, National Defence University, Washington. He also attended a Defence Resources Management programme at National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Canada. In addition to being a qualified infantry officer, Col Grannum is a qualified Regimental Signals Officer and a former Operations Officer and Finance Officer of the BDF.
Colonel Banfield joined the Barbados Battalion of the South Caribbean Force in 1941 having just left the Cadet Corps at Combermere School, and was granted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1942. He was a Platoon Commander and a Company Commander during the war and served in Barbados, Dominica (as part of the Gale Force), St Lucia and St Vincent.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Marshall is a graduate of the St Michael, and was born on the 5 November 1969 and enlisted in the Barbados Defence Force on 16 August 1994. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in August 1997, Corporal in 1999, Sergeant in 2007, Color Sergeant in 2014, Warrant Officer Class Two in 2017 and Warrant Officer Class One in 2020. He was Most Outstanding Student on Junior Leadership Course in 1998, the Most Outstanding Student on Junior Non Commissioned Officer Cadre in Jamaica in 2000, best at Leadership on the Search Adviser Course in Jamaica in 2007 and the Most Outstanding Student on the Warrant Officer Course in Jamaica in 2015.
