My job in the last week has involved discussions with ‘tars’ (or sailors) about ‘tarps’ (or tarpaulins).
When posted to Singapore I had the opportunity to visit a number of other nations’ ships, which often stopped at the naval base for a few days. Last week in Kingston we had a short-notice visit from a British military ship, here for a very short stop-off.
Thanks to the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we were able to secure quick permission for the ship to enter Kingston harbour. It was a most welcome visit by the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Argus, which had come to deliver UKAid shelter kits (including tarpaulins) for schools damaged by Hurricane Sandy last month.
I went with a couple of colleagues to Kingston wharves, to welcome the ship and oversee the unloading of the kits. It was my first time watching such a large ship pull alongside a wharf – a very delicate operation requiring a great deal of skill.
On board the ship, the Captain and members of the crew (composed of both Merchant Navy and Royal Naval personnel) gave us an interesting overview of the RFA’s work and their current mission in the Caribbean.
The ship has been in the Caribbean since May, and this hurricane season has thankfully been a quiet one. This meant that they were still carrying some of the humanitarian supplies they collected earlier in the year. And they were happy to help when the Jamaican authorities issued an appeal for tarpaulins.
The Argus was only berthed for 3 hours, but the short visit gave me a new awareness of the RFA and appreciation for the valuable work they do.