Weeks: island can take pride in RBR hurricane-relief troops
Soldiers who volunteered for relief work in Jamaica after devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa were praised by the Minister of National Security today.
Michael Weeks hailed the efforts of Royal Bermuda Regiment troops who joined forces with members of battalions from other countries to restore roofs on homes in St Elizabeth parish.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28 last year as a Category 5 storm, leaving a trail of destruction that affected more than 700,000 people.
MPs were reminded that more than 200,000 homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
Mr Weeks added: “Critical infrastructure, including roads, electricity and water systems, remain degraded as national authorities continue the long process of recovery and rebuilding.”
He noted that in the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Government committed to the provision of humanitarian assistance and that the pledge had been fulfilled.
More than 20 RBR troops were deployed to Jamaica last month.
The House of Assembly heard that they were embedded with the engineer regiment of the Jamaica Defence Force and worked with groups from the Cayman Islands, the Turks & Caicos Islands and Ghana.
Mr Weeks said: “Their primary task was to repair roofs damaged by Hurricane Melissa in the parish of St Elizabeth, one of the areas most severely impacted by the storm.
“This work provided immediate, tangible relief to affected families and helped create the conditions necessary for sustained recovery.”
He added: “I wish to note that all soldiers deployed on this mission volunteered to do so.
“These men and women stepped forward willingly to serve in another country where there is a need for humanitarian aid.
“They operated in field conditions and met strict pre-deployment requirements, including medical clearance and fitness standards.
“The regiment was accommodated at Forward Operating Base Luana in St Elizabeth, with logistical and life support provided by the Jamaica Defence Force to ensure that Bermuda’s presence did not place additional strain on local resources.”
Mr Weeks said: “While this was a physically demanding deployment for all involved, it provided the opportunity to undertake a focused overseas operational mission.
“All deployed personnel had the opportunity to apply their existing specialist skills and further develop them through practical experience.
“The deployment also reinforced the strong relationship that the Royal Bermuda Regiment maintains with the Jamaica Defence Force and, with the additional personnel joining from the Cayman Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands, the relationship with fellow British Overseas Territories.”
The House heard that the total cost of the two-week deployment, approved by the Cabinet, was up to $241,385.00.
Mr Weeks noted that he visited the troops and saw “a Bermuda contingent of eager, professional and organised soldiers who were making an immense impact on the lives of people in St Elizabeth parish”.
He added: “Remarkably, our troops were erecting a new roof at a rate of every two days and were doing so with the utmost expertise and palpable enthusiasm.
“I could see true Bermudian craftsmanship on full display with astounding results.
“Added to the skill and speed with which our soldiers were working, it was clear to me that their morale was very high and that they were enjoying the opportunity to be of service to their fellow man.
“All of Bermuda ought to be proud of the efforts of our soldiers on this deployment, as I am.”
The minister said: “I wish to commend the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, and his team for their preparations and planning to make this deployment a reality.
“I hasten to especially thank all members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment who volunteered for this deployment.
“Their willingness to serve beyond our shores reflects the professionalism, discipline and spirit of service that this honourable House has come to expect from the regiment.”
Paul Subaran, from Black River, St Elizabeth, thanked the Jamaica Defence Force, the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Ghana Armed Forces for their help replacing the roof on his home.
“I’ve been sleeping in the car for weeks, and this is a welcome [effort] that my brother and I greatly appreciate,” he said.
“The storm was rough. We sat it out on the veranda, we took the brunt of the storm in our backs.”
Mr Subaran added: “We never knew that we would get this assistance, so the family, here and abroad, they’re all grateful.”
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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