A Closing Ceremony will be held at the Victoria Park today, to mark the conclusion of the Second Phase of Exercise Tradewinds 2019.
The ceremony will begin at ten this morning, and will hear addresses from Commissioner of Police Colin John, United States Ambassador to Barbados and the OECS, Linda Taglialatela, and Lieutenant General Michael Plehn, Military Deputy Commander – US Southern Command
The feature address will be delivered by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, Sir. Louis Straker.
Prior to the start of the closing ceremony, troops from the 19 participating countries will parade from Central Police Station to the Victoria Park.
Exercise Tradewinds is a combined, joint exercise conducted in three phases focused on building the capacity of US and Caribbean Forces to better respond to natural disasters, as well as land and maritime threats.
Participating countries are expected to improve security-mission and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses through an exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Exercise Tradewinds is approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in conjunction with regional governments and institutions.
