Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force to be upgraded

PM Spencer addressing officers of the ABDF

Col. Trevor Thomas, Commander of the ABDF, being
honoured for 27 years of service in the force

Lt. Col. Edward H. Croft, Deputy Commander ABDF,
being honoured for 23 years of service in the force

Captain Dalton Graham being awarded for outstanding
service during Hurricane Lenny

The awardees
Photos: Maurice F. Merchant

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, has committed his administration towards the transformation of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force ABDF into an institution ready to meet the evolving security challenges of the 21st Century.

Prime Minister Spencer made the announcement during a presentation ceremony honouring members of the ADBF for their contributions over the years. He noted that the time has come for the ABDF to become a more flexible security force than what was available within the conventional light infantry battalion. 

“My government has therefore approved the transformation of the Infantry battalion of the ABDF into a Marine Unit that will more efficiently address the security concerns of our nation. The Marine Unit would be better trained and equipped to function independently in a maritime environment and would be better poised to support the ABDF Coast Guard in its counter narcotics, counter terrorism and other security related maritime operations,” he said.

The country’s leader added that the boom in the Cruise Tourism Industry has also brought with it an elevated threat to acts of terrorism and outlined that his Government has seen it necessary to mandate the ABDF to provide escort duties for the cruise vessels and security patrols in and around St. John’s Harbour, focusing on the security of vessels docked at Heritage Quay. 

“In addition, the blossoming Pleasure Craft Industry in English and Falmouth Harbours requires conformity to International Ship and Port Security code standards; therefore, my government in conjunction with the US Military will embark on the construction of a satellite ABDF Coast Guard Base in the said area within the first half of 2005. My government is further committed to establishing a second satellite base in Barbuda, which would address the security concerns and significantly reduce the Coast Guard’s response time to the search and rescue needs of Barbuda’s Maritime community,” PM Spencer outlined.

The country’s leader also paid tribute to the sacrifices in service made by the officers, men and women of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force through their contributions to national and regional security and stability.

Since the establishment of the force in 1981, it has been deployed to hostile overseas missions in Grenada, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. Elements of the force have recently returned from Grenada in the conduct of security, disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. 

“The men and women of ABDF have risen to the call on every occasion and today we are here to honour you,” remarked the country’s leader.

The ABDF Officers were also praised for their involvement in community development through the adoption of schools, its involvement in charitable construction projects, the assistance in the security of schools, its pivotal role in the recent review of the Boys Training School, its participation in the review for the implementation of a National Youth Service and the beautification of some of our landmarks.

Prime Minister Spencer also stated that his government is also determined to equip the force for greater interaction and service within the community. 

Over twenty-five officers of the ADBF were honoured for their long and distinguished service in the force, outstanding service during Hurricane Lenny, Exercise Tradewinds 2002 and outstanding service through the National Cadet Corps. Members of the Volunteer Unit and Civilians were also honoured.

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