(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

Some of the 100-member Defence & Task Force from Trinidad & Tobago arrived in Grand Bahama on Monday morning, ready to work along with local Defence Force officers in helping to restore Grand Bahama, following the passing of Hurricane Dorian. The team spent some time upon arrival meeting with leaders of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, getting updated on the state of the island and obtaining cues on what role they would play in the restoration process. 

Major Darren McClean, Task Force Commander of the group said their mission to Grand Bahama falls in line with the Trinidad Government’s commitment to helping the Bahamian Government in this time of restoring and rebuilding a community which has been devastated by a Category 5 hurricane.

He noted that they will be assisting in whatever way they can, in an effort to bring about some normalcy back to the island of Grand Bahama.  After meeting with the Director of NEMA, the Trinidad & Tobago Task Force got the nod to come to Grand Bahama to assist and will work in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in various areas around Grand Bahama.

“We are now in a reconnaissance phase, looking at different areas where we can assist,” said Major McClean. “I must stress the fact that we will be working only with the local Defence Force and not on our own. We will always be seen with members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.” In heralding the arrival of the Task Force from Trinidad & Tobago, as well as officers from Jamaica, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis noted that as a part of CARICOM, other Caribbean islands have offered their assistance of manpower if needed in The Bahamas. 

Standing with some of the team members from the Trinidad & Tobago Task Force is Commander Henry Daxon of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (centre).