Preparations for the regional military and security exercise Tradewinds 2027 officially got under way in Paramaribo on Monday. Suriname will be the main host country of the exercise next year, in which hundreds of military personnel and representatives of law enforcement agencies will participate.
De US Chargé d’Affaires Paul Watzlavick opened the first planning conference on September 14 at the Royal Torarica Conference Center. The meeting, which runs until September 18, is attended by 126 planners.
These include representatives of the US Southern Command, the South Dakota National Guard, US federal law enforcement agencies, partner countries and various Surinamese ministries and security organisations.
Tradewinds is an annual exercise of the US Southern Command. The exercise is intended to strengthen regional cooperation, counter cross-border threats and improve the joint response to disasters and security issues.
Suriname main host country
Suriname will serve as the main host country in 2027. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will provide support in several components of the exercise.
According to the US Embassy, the first planning conference is an important step in defence cooperation between Suriname and the United States. The first organisational and operational preparations are being made during the meeting.
An interim planning conference and a final planning meeting will follow later. During these, the participating countries and organisations must further develop the various components of Tradewinds 2027.
The exercise is expected to bring together hundreds of military personnel and law enforcement officials from countries in the Western Hemisphere. The emphasis is on regional security, disaster response and improving cooperation between the participating agencies.
By hosting the exercise, Suriname aims, according to the US Embassy, to strengthen its role in regional security cooperation and contribute to a safer and more resilient Caribbean region.
