Lieutenant Theodore Kelly from the Cayman Islands Regiment has spent the last three weeks embarked with the Royal Navy in HMS Medway, which is part of the UK’s Caribbean Task Group.

He was deployed to the Task Group to share his first hand local knowledge and experience and to gain further experience in planning for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations in the region.

Lieutenant Kelly said: “My knowledge and appreciation for the Royal Navy has certainly expanded. Whilst attached to the Task Group I had the privilege of working with the Department of Disaster Management in the Virgin Islands, where I was able to learn from their Disaster Relief procedures. From my prospective I have seen an increased collaboration between the Overseas Territories, which leads to increased resilience.”

As the first person from the Cayman Islands to embark with the Task Group, Lieutenant Kelly added: “I hope that this initiative will continue in the future, as it has been a hugely beneficial and enjoyable experience.”

The Task Group works with the six UK Overseas Territories in the region, and with other regional partners, to prepare for and respond to national disasters. Particularly during the core hurricane season, this includes planning and training to develop interoperability and disaster relief capabilities.