Chinook helicopters from the United States military at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday. The U.S. is one of 15 countries that will participate in the Jamaica Defence Force's 'Exercise Tradewinds' that is to be held from March 25 to April 7. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE JAMAICA Defence Force (JDF) will be hosting a massive military exercise, beginning on Saturday, in preparation for possible security threats during Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.
Lasting until April 7, 'Exercise Tradewinds' is sponsored by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom Armed Forces along with 13 regional countries. Involving 1,400 personnel, with the merging of military, paramilitary, civil police and other civil agencies, the expanded annual exercise will be one of the largest ever hosted by the JDF.
The training will focus on counterterrorism response, crowd and riot control, mass casualty evacuation, personnel, key point/venue protection and internal security. The exercise will involve air, sea and land manoeuvres to be supported by U.S. military helicopters and ships from other participating countries.
The main training areas for the exercise will be the Moneague Training Camp in St. Ann, Twickenham Park Range in St. Catherine, HMJS Cagway in Port Royal, Up Park Camp and the National Stadium. The Exercise Command Headquarters will be located at Up Park Camp.
REGIONAL COOPERATION
The JDF has warned people in the surrounding areas to expect unusually large numbers of troops in their communities. Members of the public who have any questions or concerns have been invited to contact the JDF directly.
Caribbean countries have participated in Exercise Tradewinds annually since the 1980s in an attempt to improve regional military cooperation in the event of any crisis. It traditionally focuses on disaster relief response and counter-narcotics operations.
This is the second of a three-year training programme for CWC 2007. Last year's exercise was held in Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas.
