Port of Spain: Minister of National Security the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds M.P. attended the historic Joint Passing Out Parade of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force today, Monday May 03, 2021, at Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas. It marks the first occasion that recruits from the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Coast Guard and Air Guard were inducted at the same time.

The Minister commended the one hundred and fifty-three (153) recruits for “choosing the Defence Force as a career, demonstrating your desire to give yourself to the service of your country” and congratulated them for successfully completing their military induction training progamme. He encouraged the recruits to operate professionally, with accountability at all times and to “put your training into practice for the greater benefit of your colleagues, your organisation and your country.” He told the recruits to set a shining example by demonstrating integrity throughout their career and urged them not to engage in activities that would bring the TTDF into disrepute.

Minister Hinds recognized the training staff of each Formation for their dedicated service in preparing the recruits for military service. He expressed appreciation to the TTDF instructors for joining the recruits in the various rigorous exercises and drills, in order to keep them motivated while training during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Minister noted that the training staff also remained in the medical bio-bubble that was created as a COVID-19 safety net, for the duration of the training, without any personal leave. The Minister acknowledged the Medical Staff of the Defence Force for the successful implementation and management of the medical bio-bubble, which resulted in zero transmission of COVID-19 throughout the duration of the training process.

The Minister also took the opportunity to thank all the men and women of the TTDF, and stated that they are a bedrock of strength and stability for our nation, as well as our region. He noted that the TTDF is held in high esteem locally, regionally and internationally.

Minister Hinds underscored that the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago continues to advance efforts to enhance border security and TTDF infrastructure. Initiatives in this regard include: the purchase of two (2) Cape Class Patrol Vessels, which will arrive soon, to strengthen the capacity and capability of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG); the reintegration of one of the AW 139 Helicopters back into service to provide essential air surveillance support to the Coast Guard; and the relocation of two (2) companies of the Second Infantry Battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) from the Heliport, Chaguaramas, to Camp La Romaine. Minister Hinds also gave the assurance that the Ministry of National Security will continue to provide the Defence Force with the necessary resources to execute its operational mandate to safeguard Trinidad and Tobago.

Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Gary Joseph and Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel, were also in attendance at the Passing Out Parade to welcome the recruits to military service.