WHAT'S ON

Come September 1, the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force will be marking 30 years of existence and it’s celebrating with a week of activities. Captain Alando Michael said the nation’s defence force went as far back as 1897 and has since undergone many changes.
 

“In 1981 the Regular Force was established and that was the Antigua & Barbuda Regular element,” Captain Michael said. “It was also the Reserve Element, which were members of the old ADF, the Antigua Defence Force. When becoming a nation, it became the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force and so that is what we have today.”
 

Celebratory events begin Sunday, August 28 with a 9 am church service at Spring Gardens Moravian Church. Then later that evening, the force is planning to hold a band concert at The Precision Centre, Paynters from 7 pm. “On Monday 27th through to the 31st August, we will have the conclusion of what we call a week of sporting activities,” said another captain of the force, Telbert Benjamin.
 

On September 1, anniversary day, a “Scale A Parade” is to take place at Camp Blizzard, during which people noted for honours will be mentioned and commemorative coins issued to ABDF members.  The Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force’s gala dinner has been planned for 7 pm that evening at Sandals Grand Resort. The week concludes on September 3, when the defence force has organised a shooting competition. Also planned for that date is a family fun day in which the general public is being invited to participate.
 

According to Captain Benjamin, there’ll be lots of fun-filled activities at the Crabs training area and interaction between the public and members of the Force is encouraged.
 

The Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force functions in several capacities. Among them is assisting police in maintenance of law and order, patrolling the seas around the island through its Coast Guard arm, participating in community work and assisting in times of natural disasters.