Portsmouth Caribbean network supports disaster relief

The Royal Navy and Royal Marine Caribbean Network have sent much needed supplies to Dominica in the wake of this year’s destructive hurricane season.

Led by Leading Hand Keon Quashie, members of the RNRM Caribbean Network rallied round to collect essential supplies at Portsmouth Naval Base which consisted of nappies, baby food, baby wipes, sanitary supplies, bottled water, energy bars and canned foods.

Donations were made by members of the network, serving personnel and civilians from the Caribbean community in Portsmouth.

The supplies were driven from Portsmouth Naval Base to Woolwich, London where they were delivered to JP RAM Shipping to be transported to the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Two weeks ago the island was hit by its strongest hurricane in living memory, the category five Hurricane Maria. 90% of the island was completely destroyed.

LH Keon Quashie said: “The main goal of this drive was to help our sister island as much as possible to aid in the recovery, which will be a lengthy process.”

The container left for Dominica on Wednesday 4th October.

Captain of the Base, Captain Bill Oliphant supported the event. He said, “I was delighted to be able to fully support this instinctive initiative to organise a contribution to the disaster relief operation in the Caribbean. Indeed, I was impressed by the determination to make a difference which the RNRM Caribbean Network undoubtedly achieved.”

“It is a fine exemplar of naval ethos and I thank LH Keon Quashie for his resourcefulness and enterprise and also the personnel of HM Naval Base Portsmouth for their generosity in supporting this highly worthwhile cause.”