US$3M spent on Tradewinds

Dillon said the US made the investment because countries in the Western hemisphere face the same threats of the illegal drug and arms trade, and natural disasters, and so it was necessary to work together.

He said the multinational maritime interdiction, ground security, and inter-agency exercise had over 600 participants from 20 countries. This year, the list included Canada, Mexico, France, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

“What it does is bring together countries within the Caribbean on a platform of cooperation and collaboration, utilising not only the assets in the Caribbean but those in the US...

As we speak, Trinidad and Tobago is faced with a tropical cyclone coming from the east. One of the aspects of this exercise was natural disaster response and humanitarian assistance so these kinds of training allow us to come together in practice exercises to prepare us for the real thing.” The Meteorological Service yesterday said there was no cyclone watch or warning in effect for the system.

During his address, Dillon said Government was “pursuing an aggressive national security agenda” to strengthen the Defence and Law Enforcement Institutions in several areas including: * Furthering the domestic and international interest of TT; * Protecting the country as well as the safety and security of nationals at home and abroad; * Promoting and facilitating good order, transparent and accountable governance; * Fulfilling its role as a key player in Caricom’s regional security architecture; and * Promoting international justice and security “Operations over the last few days are indicative of a shared purpose, a shared philosophy and a combined response to the five issues that confront us as a region.

We now move forward in the context of enhanced regional information sharing; improved maritime interdiction coordination and enhanced capabilities across troops.” He thanked the US Embassy, and the US Command for leading the training exercise.