Basseterre, 6 February 2006: With the assistance of UTS-CARIGLOBE (CHIPPIE), the wheels of moral support for the St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF) were kept turning over the weekend. The force undertook its 5th Annual Fun Bike Ride around the island of St. Kitts under the theme "Cycling for Morale with Courage".
Outfitted in Jerseys sponsored by CHIPPIE, some seventy Officers of the Defense Force, joined by about twenty-four civilians commenced the ride at about 8am yesterday from the Force Headquarters at Camp Springfield. The riders, including several teenagers, traveled around the island going along the main road via Cayon, making pit stops at Mansions, St. Pauls, Sandy Point and Old Road before ending up once again at Camp Springfield.
According to Derrick Fyfield, SKNDF Warrant Officer Class 1 and one of the organizers, this annual event started five years ago to promote closer relations between the Defense Force and the public and also to act as an avenue of fun for the Officers, who have dedicated themselves to serving and protecting our country.
Mr. Clecton Phillip, Managing Director of UTS-CARIGLOBE said his support for the ride was instantaneous and came on the heels of a plea to the business community (by the Hon. Dwyer Astaphan, Minister of National Security) to show appreciation to the Security Forces who did exemplary work during the recently concluded Christmas/Carnival celebrations, resulting in a "Crime-Free" festive season. Mr. Phillip added that his contribution was a small token of his company's appreciation of the work done day and night by the security forces (including the St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Christopher and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services) to keep our society safe and secure.
As a further sign of support for the SKNDF, Mr. Phillip participated and completed the ride in "good time".
"This is the first time that sponsorship was sought for the SKNDF Fun Bike Ride, from an established private company and this was also one of the most successful rides. We can see the event getting closer to achieving its primary objective, which is to foster closer interaction and better relations with the public. We hope the event continues to grow into a signature Fun Bike Ride not only for the Defense Force but also for the federation", said Mr. Fyfield.
