BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, June 04.2018 – PRIME MINISTER, Dr. Timothy Harris has welcomed the contingents that will, over the next several days, call St. Kitts and Nevis their home as they seek to undertake various training exercises in Phase 1 of Exercise Tradewinds.
Exercise Tradewinds is a multi-discipline event that brings member countries that fall under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to undertake major training with the assistance of the United States Southern Command.
While addressing a number of dignitaries, media representatives and troops from the 20 participating nations at today’s opening, Dr. Harris pointed out that during the eight days of the exercise, the more than 500 participants will receive critical training from more than 18 partnering agencies.
According to the National Security Minister,a majority of the agencies undertaking training are American-base, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and regional partners.
In reminding that this is the second staging of Phase one of the training exercise, Dr. Harris said that they are very excited at the opportunity of playing host and facilitating the exercise again.
With the event being staged under the theme, “Capacity Development through Integrate Training and Exercises to Confront National Security Challenges of 21st Century”, PM Harris said the overarching theme is very important when they reflect upon the fact that the current threat realities cannot be overcome by one nation.
“The collective effort of the Caribbean and the nations in the Western hemisphere is required in our geographical space. The strategic objectives of the training are to improve tactical skill sets, as well as enhance cooperation, interoperability, maritime interdiction cooperation, networking and information sharing,” explained Harris.
He added, “This training is tailored for the region, by the region; and design to bolster internal security of the Caribbean, will cover disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and of course, special security operations.”
Further, Dr. Harris said that the training is designed to prepare participants to better plan for and respond to disasters, emergency and threats.
“My government is very pleased that the focus of the Tradewinds training will be on preparing and implementing effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation.”
