Ogden soldiers get new barracks

At the official opening of the new barracks, Minister of National Security Martin Joseph told the soldiers: "The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to ensuring that the Defence Force remains a high performance organisation. In this regard, the Government will provide all the necessary resources to enable the Defence Force to perform at the highest level of its capabilities."

The minister said work on the barracks at Teteron are almost completed and renovations at the Camp Omega and Cumuto Barracks are scheduled for completion within the next six months.

He said the ministry has also embarked on programmes of enhancement and refurbishment of 30 police stations throughout the country

Before commissioning the new facilities there was the symbolic demolition of the old barracks. The minister donned a hard hat and used a hammer to knock out a piece of plywood from the structure which was built during World War II.

In his address at the ceremony, Colonel Edmund Dillon noted that it was indeed a historic day for the regiment since they are embarking on a process that will add value to their very existence.

He said since taking over in October 2003, one of his goals has been upgrading the quality of life for members of the regiment.

"I remind you that I am a strong believer that in order to demand 100 percent production from you the men and women in the regiment, you must be provided with the proper working environment that is conducive to this production," Dillon said.

Following the formalities, there was the symbolic handing over of the keys to Lt Col George Michael Clarke, commanding officer of the First Battalion.