With the participation of more than 1 200 troops from 36 different nations, Exercise TradeWinds 2024 (EXTW24) officially kicked off in Barbados on Saturday, marking its 39th year.
The annual military exercise is being hosted by the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) with an aim to enhance interoperability and readiness among allied forces, and immediate goal of ensuring security for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
During the opening ceremony, held at the Paragon Base in Christ Church, BDF’s Chief of Staff, Commodore Errington Shurland spoke on the dual focus of EXTW24.
“Exercise TradeWinds is a clear demonstration of enhanced cooperation and readiness among partner nations in safeguarding the Caribbean region against evolving threats,” he said.
“Indeed, the value of Exercise TradeWinds has been realised time and time again and this year’s exercise is particularly timely in assisting us in our preparation for the hosting of the International Cricket Council T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
Shurland reiterated the importance of the exercise in bolstering the region’s capacity to manage and respond effectively to any threats that may arise during such large-scale international events and encouraged participants to make the most of their training experience.
Karels; SOUTHCOM’s Director of Exercises and Coalition Affairs, Kevin Bostik; BDF’s Chief of Staff, Commodore Errington Shurland; Deputy Commander of the US Army South, Brigadier Monie Ulis and Host Country Lead Planner, Commander Mark Peterson during the parade at the opening of Exercise TradeWinds 2024.
SOUTHCOM’s Director of Exercises and Coalition Affairs, Kevin Bostick also motivated soldiers to maximise their involvement in EXTW24 by returning to their respective countries of service and teaching their teammates what they’ve learned.
HCOM’s Director of Exercises and Coalition Affairs, Mr. Kevin Bostik; BDF’s Chief of Staff, Commodore Errington Shurland; Deputy Commander of the US Army South, Brigadier Monie Ulis and Host Country Lead Planner, Commander Mark Peterson during the parade at the opening of Exercise TradeWinds 2024.
Sharing the collective sentiments of regional preparedness, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army South, Brigadier Monie Ulis outlined the broader objectives of the training, connecting them to global security challenges.
“Everything you will train on here is based on human rights, rule of law, and the professionalisation of partner militaries and supporting government agencies, thus making our forces adaptable, trained, and ready to respond to trans-boundary challenges, natural disasters, and maintaining regional security and prosperity throughout the Caribbean and Caribbean basin, ” Ulis explained.
The Brigadier highlighted that the participation of more than 1 000 uniformed personnel this year exemplifies a shared commitment among partaking nations as defenders of common values.
“Our unified presence here today is a demonstration of our enduring relationship and commitment to increasing disaster preparedness and regional security as we continue to work together,” Ulis shared, noting that representatives from the US involve all branches of the military including active duty, National Guard, as well as the reserve component.
Lead Planner of Exercise TradeWinds 2024, Commander Mark Peterson, who also addressed the opening ceremony, reiterated the cooperative spirit of the exercise.
“As we gather from different nations, diverse backgrounds, and experiences, we are united by a common goal to enhance our communities, strengthen our partnerships, and foster cooperation among our forces,” he said.
Peterson stressed the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving the goals set out for the exercise, expressing gratitude towards all participants.
The opening ceremony was accompanied by a parade which involved 10 members from each participating country and led by parade commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dwayne Edwards from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and conducting warrant officer, Major Ryan Brigall of the Guyana Defence Force. (SM)
