The Republic of Malta has made a timely donation of 30 ballistic vests to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force in a demonstration of the close ties that exist between the two island nations.
Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, says securing the assistance on behalf of the ABDF demonstrates the efforts of his ministry together with the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London to seek out benefits for entities in the country such as the ABDF.
“The demonstrates the efforts of the ministry of foreign affairs to secure benefits for Antigua and Barbuda; in this instance, it’s the area of national security, the protection of our soldiers, our men and women who wear the uniform proudly,” he stated.
Minister Greene noted that ABDF’s role extends beyond what happens on land but also includes patrolling the nation’s waters as transnational crime is an issue of much concern.
“We have done the air-wing, and now attention is being placed on the needs of the Coast Guard.
“It’s a holistic arrangement by this government to ensure that the men and women in uniform who inked their names to an agreement, a covenant to serve the people of this country that they are well-taken care of by the government.” he declared.
He thanked the members of the ABDF ‘most profusely’ for the service that they provide to the country noting that the fact that Antigua and Barbuda has been ranked among the safest destinations in the Caribbean has much to do with work of the members of the ABDF and the other security entities in the country.
“This morning, I am sure that the provision of these ballistic vests will give you added comfort knowing that the government of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Cabinet ministers are deeply appreciative of the service you provide to the country,” he stated.
Minister Greene also extended thanks and appreciation to the Maltese government for making the donation of the ballistic vests to the ABFD.
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin recalled that during an international forum last year he met and held discussions with his counterpart from the Republic of Malta. During the discussion, the ballistic vests were identified as an area where the Maltese government could assist. “It was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the UK High Commission, that continued the discussions that led to the presentation of the vests that are beneficial to small island developing states such as Antigua and Barbuda and for the Republic of Malta. I wish to thank all those involved in these discussions, including HC Karen-Mae Hill in London, for helping to make this presentation possible,” he noted.
He described the ballistic vests as ‘world-class’ and are considered to be ‘Level 4’ one of the highest levels of protection that any soldier can have anywhere in the world. “I wish to assure the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the government of the Republic of Malta that the equipment would be put to use immediately,” he indicated.
ABDF soldiers were outfitted with the ballistic vests as they assisted with security operations during the just-concluded Carnival festivities.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Malta and Antigua and Barbuda were formally established on 23 July 2004 and since then, the engagements have already yielded tangible and commendable results. These include a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a capacity-building programme for technical staff at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, aimed at supporting a holistic Leakage Identification, Management, and Control Strategy for water supply lines across the country, alongside consistent mutual support within the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
