Non-commissioned officers key to security

The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the security and development of the countries within the Eastern Caribbean.

This assurance was given by US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Linda Taglialatela, during her remarks at a recent closing ceremony for the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development Course hosted by the Regional Security System and the United States Military Liaison Office.

The US Ambassador underlined the importance of training in the security field, and alluded to the non-commissioned officers, for whom she pointed out professional development was a matter of priority.

“The non-commissioned officer is the backbone of every unit. You have the duty to lead, train, and develop junior members, who will continue to carry the torch of excellence for future generations.

“I ask all of you to return home and share the experience and knowledge from this course throughout your units’ ranks… As US Ambassador, I assure you that I will continue to support critical training opportunities like the one you just experienced,” Ambassador Taglialatela asserted.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the RSS, Commodore Errington Shurland, reiterated the significance of training and encouraged the 28 participants to practise good leadership qualities.

“We cannot achieve anything without good, strong, quality leadership and I am hoping that whatever you take away from this course you don’t only take away and keep for yourselves; knowledge transfer is important.

“Today’s young people need motivation, they need empathy, they need understanding from you as a leader, not only to give a command but to walk the walk with them and to take them through that process…

Recognise that we are in a diverse world. We’re dealing with individuals from different cultures, different social economic backgrounds. And if you look at the motto of the RSS and you reflect on that “Strength through unity”, we don’t operate as a Barbados or as an Antigua, or as a Commonwealth of Dominica, we operate as a collective,” he stressed.

The five-week course was led by officers of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of WHINSEC and Commandant of the NCO Academy, CSM Roberto Alvarez, sent a congratulatory message to the participants and encouraged them to work together utilising the knowledge which they gained from the programme.

(RSS/PR)