| Subject |
Tobias
Ellwood joins Royal Marines in training exercise to prepare
Caribbean Defence forces for security at the 2007 Cricket
World Cup
|
| Ref |
PR/06-126 |
| Date |
Friday
7th April 2006 |
MPs are allowed
to spend time with our Armed Forces on the front line, with a view
to gaining a better understanding of their needs. This week, Tobias
Ellwood joined the Fleet Protection Group, Royal Marine Commando
Unit.
The unit has
the unenviable task of guarding Britain's fleet of submarines carrying
the country's nuclear deterrent. Over the last three weeks they
have been based in Jamaica as part of 'Exercise Trade Winds'. This
has been a joint UK/US led operation to train local defence forces
of the 12 West Indian nations who will be providing security when
they host the cricket world cup next year.
Whilst a week's
posting to Jamaica may sound ideal, this is far from a vacation,
the marines are training the defence forces in a range of skills
from riot control to dealing with a suicide bomber. Although the
north coast is considered a holiday paradise, much of the island,
specifically the capital Kingston (where the cricket will be played),
is notorious for its violence and gun crime. To compound matters
the local authorities are seen as corrupt and lacking the trust
of local Jamaicans.
The world cup will be a major test for Jamaica and other host nations,
who have never been trained in low level conflict resolution, let
alone co-ordinate a 'multi-agency' response to a large scale attack.
With the help of hundreds of local volunteers the Marines are using
Jamaica's national sports stadium to stage mock riots and terrorist
attacks in order to put defence forces through their paces. The
huge operation is clearly paying off as the defence forces gain
confidence and an improved reputation with locals, which should
benefit the country long after the world cup has taken place.
Ever keen to hone their own skills, the marines took what little
free time there was to conduct a few days jungle training of their
own, in the blue mountain jungle region of central Jamaica. Tobias
gladly accepted the challenge to join No. 2 Troop, O Squadron and
live in the jungle with 'the lads'.
Commenting on the experience Tobias said:
"Parliament regularly makes major decisions about how our forces
operate and the equipment they use. It is important that MPs get
to experience first hand, the consequences of those decisions and
it has been a fantastic to do just that, on a very worthwhile exercise.
In the short time the marines have been here they have made a significant
and lasting contribution to improving the skills of the local defence
forces. It was a pleasure to be able to assist them in their task
as well as experience a few days training in the jungle."
|
