U.S. donates rescue vessels to Barbados Coast Guard

The Barbados Coast Guard’s ability to patrol territorial waters, and readily respond to major natural disasters has been boosted.

This with the donation of four rescue vessels and three secure communications packages from the U.S. Southern Command.

The donation, valued at approximately US$450,000, was handed over at a ceremony at the Barbados Coast Guard Station PELICAN. It is part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Foreign Military Financing Program and was led by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown.

In her remarks at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Linda Taglialatela noted that the occasion reflects the long-standing commitment of the United States to Barbados and the region to support sustained peace and security. She added, “the United States Embassy Barbados and Southern Command are pleased to continue supporting the Barbados Coast Guard through these donations and in the future. We are comforted to know that your unit is always on patrol keeping the waters safe, poised and ready to save the lives of anyone in distress. Your sustained efforts continue to ensure the collective safety, security, and prosperity of our shared neighborhood.”

Meanwhile, Commodore Errington Shurland, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, said the donation is a testament to the ongoing and enduring nature of the close relations between Barbados and the United States. He said, “certainly the U.S.’ overall contribution to the Barbados Defence Force cannot be understated, assisting in development from the strategic, down to the tactical levels; as well as across the full spectrum of operations, engineering and logistics.”

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