Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 14, 2021 (SKNIS): The long-standing relationship between the United States Southern Command (U.S. SOUTHCOM) and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains strong and will be continued for some time to the mutual benefit of both.
This sentiment was echoed repeatedly on Wednesday (October 13) during a ceremony to mark the official handover of two field hospitals, two vans and technical support equipment from SOUTHCOM. The donation will benefit the health sector as well as the national emergency system.
Lieutenant Colonel Shane Moran, Chief of Security Cooperation, US Embassy, said that the aim of collaborations is designed to build resiliency and enhance capacity to face mutual challenges. The partnerships mainly fall into the sphere of defence as well as humanitarian assistance. Wednesday’s donation was made under the Humanitarian Assistance Programme.
“This programme has been quite active in St. Kitts and Nevis over the years. Whether it is in the form of construction projects like the disaster relief warehouses, emergency operation centres, or more recently with the COVID-19 relief donations of personal protective equipment (PPE), U.S. Southern Command is and will continue to be a trusted partner for the Kittitian and Nevisian people,” Lt. Col. Moran stated.
Lt. Col. Moran noted that success in today’s environment requires all sectors, working together. As such, he saluted the women and men of the local disaster agencies, fire services, public works, medical systems, military, and law enforcement for participating in the October 11 and 12 training that equipped them with additional first responder skills and knowledge.
Abdias Samuel, National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), noted that the U.S. SOUTHCOM partnership will continue with a new project.
“We have proposed the [construction] of two multi-purpose buildings for EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and warehousing services. This project is earmarked for the Tabernacle and Sandy Point communities,” Mr. Samuel indicated. He added that a proposal to construct a bureau of standard multi-purpose laboratory on Nevis was also submitted.
NDC Samuel thanked the United States government for the strong partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis, noting that the mutually beneficial bonds between the diplomatic allies will continue to be strengthened.
