BDF Deploys Second Contingent To SVG

BDF Media Release| 16 April 21

Photography: Private Kyle Straker

The Barbados Defence Force in its commitment to the relief efforts for St Vincent and the Grenadines in the aftermath of the La Soufrière volcano eruption,  deployed its second contingent to assist our sister island.

Chief of Staff, Colonel Glyne Grannum along with other senior command, thanked the troops for their braveness in the face of the unknown and commitment to duty in service to Barbados and its interest. Colonel Grannum went on the encourage the troops formed up to remain steadfast in their tasks for the greater good, relying on the time invested in training, in order to respond effectively to such incidents.

The maritime unit of the BDF, the Barbados Coast Guard (BCG), will transport the contingent of the RSS, along with the members of the Caribbean Disaster Response Unit (CDRU) on board the unit’s offshore patrol craft (OPV). The CDRU comprises members of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) participating and member states. They will be responsible for the collection and distribution of relief supplies. At this time, CDRU members from Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will travel with the BCG on board HMBS LEONARD C BANFIELD and RUDYARD LEWIS. It is expected that other member states of CDEMA will join subsequently. One BCG OPV will then sail to St Lucia to receive additional supplies for transport to SVG.

The BDF will also deploy a 30-man platoon as part of the Regional Security System contingent to support the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) with security operations. A 10-man section from the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) will also be deployed.