The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is deploying a contingent to assist the Commonwealth of Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
This disclosure has come from the BDF’s public relations officer Captain Maria Moore who said humanitarian assistance and disaster relief would be provided to the island, which was extensively damaged following the passage of the category five hurricane on Monday night.
The BDF contingent is expected to be deployed within the next 12 hours aboard the HMBS Leonard C. Banfield.
Captain Moore added that Barbadians could also provide support to Dominicans by donating bottle water, medical/first aid supplies, canned foods, baby items and general hygiene products to the BDF at St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, or the Barbados Coast Guard at HMBS Pelican, Spring Garden. These items will be taken when the Coast Guard vessel sets sail with BDF and Barbados Fire Service contingents.
As part of the BDF’s mandate, support is provided to the Regional Security System, Member States, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CARICOM and the wider region. (BGIS)