Bartholomew Chan, Gleaner Writer
Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Chief of Staff, presents a plaque to Major General Richard Mentemeyer as a part of the award ceremony of Operation Tradewinds between Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, (left),
and Major General Richard Mentemeyer, Deputy Commander,
US. Southern Command at Jamaica Defence Force in Up Park Camp yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
MINISTER OF National Security Dr. Peter Phillips yesterday lauded the Jamaica Defence Force's (JDF) "professionalism" in hosting the annual 'Exercise Trade Winds' during the operation's closing ceremony at Up Park Camp.
This year's exercise, an 18-nation coalition, including 15 nations from the Caribbean, focused on security preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, which will be held in the Caribbean.
The military exercise, sponsored by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom, is designed to improve regional coordination and interoperability in countering or alleviating any threats the Caribbean could face, such as natural disasters, terrorism and narcotics trading.
The closing ceremony for 'Exercise Trade Winds 2006', which began on March 25, saw a large contingent of forces, representing every nation that participated, form ranks in front of generals and dignitaries including U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda Johnson.
Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, JDF Chief of Staff, told the troops that this year's exercise had been "successful" and was "time well spent."
The rear admiral added that the 14-day operation had "achieved its aim" by enabling the commanders to work on any "shortfalls" in coalition coordination and operations.
Major General Richard Mentemeyer, Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command, also told the soldiers that he was "proud" of them. He reaffirmed the troops' crucial role as
protectors by emphasising that "citizens count on you."
Major General Mentemeyer praised the JDF's "excellent organising" in what has been a "wonderful exercise."
PLAQUES PRESENTED
He then presented plaques to heads of the various international force contingents, including the JDF and Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Dr. Phillips said this year's successful training would enhance the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He also told the troops he believed this year's preparations would make "a critical difference."
Brigadier General John Croley, of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, told The Gleaner that this year's exercise "fine tuned" the logistics between the civil and military authorities, thus "tightening lines of communication" and allowing operations to run smoothly.
Asked how prepared the coalition would be if the World Cup was this summer, Croley said they would be "pretty well ready to go."
