By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 5, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos islands regiment is now 18 men stronger in number as the second cohort of volunteers officially joined the ranks in July; a passing out ceremony was held on Saturday July 23, 2022.
Commander of the Regiment, Lt Col Ennis Grant expressed confidence that the Marines were ready to take on the task of protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.
The existing marines were also trained in humanitarian assistance and now have a plethora of skills for the hurricane season.
Major Thomas Ball, commanding officer of the short term training team which oversaw the drills for both the new and existing recruits, was pleased with the trainees.
“Every individual has impressed the team in their devotion and determination to knuckle down and complete some challenging training and better themselves. They have worked hard to ensure that their part to play within the regiment is as useful as possible to face the threats of the future,” he said.
The most physically fit recruit, most improved and most outstanding recruits were all presented with awards during the ceremony.
Governor Nigel Dakin thanked the volunteers for their 24/7 contribution to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“You do your best work at night when others are asleep.”
He said “Your cap badge— crossed tridents representing the power of the ocean and the Phoenix rising from the ashes of any future destruction tells the islands and the world what your contribution is to these islands. I hope you are now very proud to wear it.”
Dakin also praised the incredible variety of professionals in the volunteer program that stood ready to lend along with their military skills, other civilian skills. He explained that the regiment boasts a doctor; boat captains various; lifeguards electrical engineers; mechanical engineers carpenter water sanitation and sewage professionals;
paramedics; firemen managers; security guards; a teacher and even a pilot.
He described the team as a regiment of all the talents.
He reminded him of the heavy mandate they now bore— to go above and beyond in times of disaster, fear and adversity and to keep their heads cool in moments of anger.
“You are delivering something that no one person can deliver —- you already know the team is stronger than the individual not through words but through practice.”
The ceremony was chaired by Officer Dixie Smith, and attended by Commander Ennis Grant, Police Commissioner Trevor Botting, Former Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, various cabinet ministers, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Governor Nigel Dakin.
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