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Prime Minister's remarks at visit to HMCS Fredericton in Barbados
19 July 2007
Greetings Rear Admiral McFadden, Commander Auchterlonie and the crew of the HMCS Fredericton.
It is a great pleasure to come aboard HMCS Fredericton today and to join with the ships officers and crew in welcoming members of the Barbados Defence Force and Barbados Legion.
I am also particularly pleased that retired Flying Officer Douglas Alleyne and retired Corporal Albert Weatherhead have also joined us.
Like a couple of hundred of their fellow Barbadians, they joined the Canadian Forces during World War Two.
A pharmacist by training, Corporal Weatherhead served with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps.
Flying Officer Alleyne captained maritime patrols out of both Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
Their service and continuing close relationship with Canada remind us of the personal ties that bind our two countries.
The HMCS Fredericton is a fitting venue to underline those ties – our steadfast support of international defence cooperation and Canada’s global contribution to peace and security.
Canada, in partnership with its friends and allies, has played a role in helping to secure international peace since the early days of Confederation.
These efforts have led to many of the defining moments in our history and helped shape how we see ourselves as a country.
This year we marked the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and other nation-defining Canadian victories of the First World War.
We should never forget that the longest battle of World War Two was a naval battle – the Battle of the Atlantic.
For six long and treacherous years Allied convoys were the vital lifeline to the United Kingdom and the war effort.
Supported by RCAF crews like those captained by Flying Officer Alleyne, the Royal Canadian Navy distinguished itself throughout and grew to become one of the great forces on the seas by the end of the conflict.
Canada remains engaged in international security today, from our leadership role in Afghanistan, to our contribution to nineteen peace operations currently in place around the world, to our efforts to interdict the shipment of weapons and drugs on the high seas.
In fact, earlier this year the HMCS Fredericton participated in a counter-narcotics operation off the coast of Africa.
Undertaken in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it led to a significant seizure – 22 and a half tons of hashish. Helping to target crime and drugs assists our closest neighbours and ultimately contributes to Canada’s own well-being.
I salute the officers and crew of HMCS Fredericton. Bravo Zulu. Your skill, your hard work and your determination are symbolic of the Canadian Navy's contribution, not only to Canada’s own security but also to the security of our allies and our partners.
That commitment to building security is reflected in our 35 years with Barbados in the Military Training Assistance Programme, of which several of the nearly 300 Barbadian graduates are also here today.
Canada is proud to work alongside Barbados and our friends across the Caribbean to protect and defend our shared security.
The tasks may be complex. The challenges may be great. But the need and the will to overcome them are all the more powerful.
In keeping with this spirit, I would like to announce that Canada will make an important contribution of computer equipment and training to continue to help develop the defence and security capacity of CARICOM countries.
In conclusion, this morning also affords us the opportunity to recognize the well earned promotions of two deserving crewman of HMCS Fredericton:
It is an honour for me to be with them and with all of you today. Thank you for your dedication and service to Canada and Canadians.
And thank you once again, Admiral McFadden and Commander Auchterlonie, for your hospitality today and for your outstanding service to our great country.
