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Exercise Tradewinds Aimed At Strengthening Region

Exercise Tradewinds 2024 (EXTW24) is designed to enhance regional safety and security, build tactical capacity, and promote inter-operability among member states.

Host nation Co-director and Lead Planner of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) for the two-week military campaign, Commander Mark Peterson, shared this during a press briefing at the BDF Headquarters, St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, prior to the start of the exercise, which is being jointly hosted by the BDF and the United States Southern Command.

EXTW24, which will be held from May 4 to 16 under the theme Tailored for the region, by the region, promoting a secure Caribbean 2024 and beyond, has attracted military forces from the 15 CARICOM Member States, Brazil, Bermuda, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Mexico, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Peru, and Chile.

Commander Peterson explained that the exercise would focus on preparing all stakeholders for the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament in the event of any threats that might occur, whether a peaceful protest, an active shooter scenario, a hostage situation, a mass casualty event, or a combination of these threats.

“The training and exercise scenarios this year will focus on countering trans- national crime, with some emphasis on addressing unique threats that can occur during the hosting of a large scale sports event which, in this case, is the ICC T20 World Cup cricket competition.

“The training will be centred on countering transnational organisations, countering violent extremist organisations, responding to events resulting in disaster, in order to refine national and regional standard operating procedures and enhance regional cooperation,” he said.

In his remarks, US Lead Planner for Exercise Tradewinds 2024, Colonel Charles ‘Chip’ Karels, said the event was very important for the US Southern Command, since it demonstrated the United States’ understanding of the region’s importance, and in particular, the countries that chose to host Tradewinds.

“It gives an opportunity for our forces to work together to build those common understandings. Cyber [crime] is difficult… and building that common defence [capacity] throughout the region and throughout the hemisphere is critical,” Colonel Karels added.

Host nation Co-director and Lead Planner of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) for Exercise Tradewinds 2024 (EXTW24), Commander Mark Peterson speaking at the press briefing while United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Joaquin Monserrate, looks on.

United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Joaquin Monserrate, described the staging of EXTW24 as “a great moment for us in the Caribbean”, noting that, in addition to the US military detachments, there were civilian partners, including the FBI and the drug enforcement agency.

He added: “So, I am really glad that we are able to embrace it (Exercise Tradewinds) at a time when this region…is becoming much more worldly and present in the international dimension, not least evidenced by Cricket World Cup that we will also co-host with Barbados and the West Indies.”

Exercise Tradewinds is conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defence forces and constabularies to counter transnational organised crime, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief type operations.

It will also have a maritime component that will focus on illegal, unregulated fishing as a major threat to the economies of this hemisphere and the United States economy, humanitarian resistance, and inter-agency maritime special operations assistance during disaster relief.

Exercise Tradewinds is held annually and has attracted 1,200 participants from 26 countries, and regional, government, and non-governmental organisations. Barbados previously hosted Exercise Tradewinds in May 1993, 2003, 2012, and 2017. Trinidad and Tobago will host the military event in 2025. (PR/GIS)

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One Family hamper drive gets $75,000 boost from Sandy Lane Charitable Trust

Christmas 2024 just got a lot brighter for the 1000 families of the One Family programme under the Ministry of People Empowerment & Elder Affairs (MPEA), thanks to a donation of BBD. 75,000.00 worth of grocery hampers from the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT).

Representatives of SLCT, including Derrick Smith, Grand Patron and founding Trustee, Trustee Pippa Challis, and Project Coordinator-Administrator Nekei Grant, were recently at One Family’s Warrens office to present the donation to the One Family Project Team. Present to receive the donation were Minister, the Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Permanent Secretary Jehu Wiltshire, Social Development Project Manager Nicole Daniel and Project Officer Lisa Holder.

Minister Humphrey commended SLCT and thanked its Board of Trustees for their ongoing work in Barbados, and specifically with his Ministry, noting that such partnerships could help break cycles of generational poverty in Barbados.

“The government of Barbados is passionate about the objectives of this One Family project, and we believe in what we are doing. We see One Family as the first initiative with the potential to break the inter-generational cycles of poverty, a purpose and objective that traditional government agencies were not designed for. Traditional approaches have not been holistic enough, and One Family gives the first real opportunity to break that poverty exchange between generations,” Minister Humphrey said.

Commenting in response, Trustee Pippa Challis said SLCT was pleased with the ongoing amazing partnership with MPEA. She said One Family had positively impacted SLCT’s work regarding due diligence and background investigations necessary to make the outreach work more effective.

“Our partnership with the One Family Programme Team is truly beneficial to both organisations, as we work towards one common goal of achieving social change. Our ability to rely on the One Family team to provide accurate, timely and reliable information means that our assistance can reach the most deserving families. Whether it is providing beds, back-to-school supplies or food vouchers, we know that we are reaching the right families. That’s why this collaboration works for us, as much as it works for you.” Mrs Challis, further commends the team on their success with the programme thus far and the amazing job they are doing.

One Family Project Manager, Nicole Daniel, said the SLCT donation would significantly boost this year’s hamper donation drive, bringing much-needed supplies and tangible Christmas cheer to the 1,000 families and hundreds of children currently served by the Programme.

“One Family is not a hand-out programme but concentrates on holistic transformation to help every family reach a stage where they can give back to their communities and Barbados.” (PR)

Caption: Pictured from left are SLCT Project Coordinator-Administrator Nekei Grant, One Family Project Officer Lisa Holder, SLCT Trustee Pippa Challis, Derrick Smith, SLCT Grand Patron and founding Trustee, People Empowerment Minister, the Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Permanent Secretary Jehu Wiltshire, and Social Development Project Manager Nicole Daniel.

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Men’s programmes lighting the way with support from Light & Power

Barbadian men are stepping up to mentor and inspire a new generation of male leaders to reach their full potential and light the path to a brighter future.

On International Men’s Day recently, two such organisations were recognised and supported with financial donations from the Barbados Light & Power Company (Light & Power). The Rites of Passage: Boys to Men program, led by Anthony Seale and Reverend Derick Richards of the James Street, Speightstown Circuit of the Methodist Church, and the Purpose 180 Foundation, founded by Nigel Jules, were both lauded for their contributions during a presentation held at Light & Power’s Garrison, St. Michael Headquarters. Both organisations spoke about the impactful initiatives they have established to support young men in Barbados.

Light & Power said it was pleased to support programs focused on mentoring and uplifting at-risk young men.

“These programs are crucial in empowering young men to reach their full potential, and Light & Power is pleased to support and partner with initiatives like Rites of Passage and Purpose 180 that actively work to create brighter futures for the next generation of young male leaders.”

Both programs focus on mentorship, character building, and equipping young men with tools to overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional growth. (PR)

Caption: Light & Power employees, including at left, Communications Advisor Adriel Richard, and to the right, Chano Belle, Manager, Finance (Supply Chain) and Curtis Brewster, Supervisor, Dispatch and Quality Control, with visiting organisation representatives Nigel Jules of the Purpose 180 Foundation (second from left), and Reverend Derick Richards and Anthony Seale of the “Rites of Passage: Boys to Men (BTM) programme” of the James Street/Speightstown Circuit of the Methodist Church in Barbados (at centre)

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Yearwood wins first 5k Run/Walk

Kristian Yearwood won the inaugural 5k Run/Walk to Help 5k held on Sunday. He clocked 21:36 in the running race, 2nd place went to Ralf Luther in a time of 22:05, followed by Fr. Andy Nyga in 3^rd with a time of 23:40. The top three runners in the female segment were Adeline Lamorell,27:17, Phillipa Sylvester, 30:46 and Sumaya Desai, 47:22.

The event was organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown and is a fund raiser for church’s ministry to the poor in our community as well as to assist the Child Card Board. What started last year as a fun walk now features competitive 5k races in running and walking. The blend of race running and walking along with fun walking should see the event attacking a cross section of participants.

Anderson Maughan was the winner in the walk race in the male segment with a time of 30:59, he was followed by Anthony Phillips in 34:50 and Akil Bryan in 37:40. Angela Jackson crossed the line in 36:31 to win the female walk race she was followed by Fay Waithe in 40:42 and third place was taken by Mary Moseley in 41:57.