13 April 2011

Caribbean Dependencies to be focus of continued UK Military presence in region

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Anguilla News

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Anguillanews.com

"The Royal Navy will continue to provide a permanent presence in the Caribbean, able to respond to the full range of foreseeable contingencies" -  UK Governor of Anguilla.


The Royal Navy is to continue its permanent presence in the Caribbean, focused mainly on Overseas
Territories, according to a release from the Governor's Office. As part of its duties, a naval ship will also visit Anguilla at some point over the summer, with details and dates to follow. The release from the Governor's Office is as follows:


"The primary purpose of the Royal Navy in the Caribbean is to deliver security and reassurance to the UK Overseas Territories, specifically in disaster relief operations. In addition, the Royal Navy has been able to offer support to other Caribbean countries in the event of disasters. For example, it provided support last year to communities in St. Lucia hit by the effects of Hurricane Tomas.

The Royal Navy will continue to provide a permanent presence in the Caribbean, able to respond to the full range of foreseeable contingencies. In the event of a humanitarian disaster, it will deliver initial military assistance. During 2011 this will be provided by a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, enhanced with a naval party and helicopter during the hurricane season (1 June – 30 November). This will provide a broadly comparable capability to previous years.

When Royal Naval vessels are not engaged in disaster support activity, spare capacity is used to disrupt and interdict consignments of illicit narcotics trafficked through the region en route from Latin America to the UK, Europe and the US. This work has been highly successful."

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