Page 33 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES CYPRUS
COVID-19 has turned the whole world upside down and clearly everybody’s plans have had to change, this was prevalent for our situation. However, six months in, I am
still pinching myself at the privilege of having been posted to this beautiful Island to do what must be one of the best jobs in the Corps. Our two children have just spent a week here with Sarah and I. Their verdict: ‘We love it.’
The Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBBA) and British Forces Cyprus (BFC) is so diverse and includes soldiers, sailors, airmen, MOD civil servants and a locally engaged civilian workforce, all combining (as ‘One Team’) to make sure we deliver on behalf of UK Defence.
Cyprus remains a strategically vital partner of the UK and we all play our parts in deepening this relationship. In a region that is seriously challenged by instability, Cyprus offers much stability and there is so much that joins our two nations together – and it is not just on the defence and security front. There are strong links across almost all areas of our national life: the economy, culture, education and tourism to name just four sectors. So, Cyprus is and will always be an important ally, partner and friend.
The Headquarters has not stopped, it is forever
publishing a new COVID FragO in order to keep
up with both the UK and Republic of Cyprus Government Announcements. Assembling all this data as a Staff Officer is vital to understanding the whole COVID picture so we can advise accordingly.
On a positive note; BFC have continued to do well on COVID, which has contributed to a good epidemiological picture. Enabling Commander British Forces Cyprus to slightly lessen restrictions and give slight improvements and privileges to its people during lockdown. However, wearing a mask which is compulsory indoors and outdoors except for when exercising is causing havoc with my tan...
The pandemic has interrupted, postponed and even cancelled events. However, PT and some Sporting events have continued, all be it in a very different environment and context. Therefore, some of the events executed have been a BFC Virtual ‘Gym 2 Gym’ Half Marathon, Virtual ‘Cyprus Walkdown,’ BFC ‘Januarys Calories Challenge,’ and we are currently at initial planning for a BFC Sports Festival and many more events. A huge thanks must go
to all Island RAPTCIs and our RAF PTIs colleagues for their continued support and giving the Cyprus Community something to look forward to, through these testing times - Well Done All.
Cyprus has had to deal with the EU Exit Transition Period which came to an end on 31 Dec 2020. The departure of 2 MERCIAN’S and the arrival of 2 YORKS who have became the Army’s first-ever Enhanced
Light Force Battalion. The new role will see 2 YORKS take on the commitment alongside that of being Episkopi’s Resident Infantry Battalion and the Regional Standby Battalion, on short notice to deploy. BFC will see the publication of an Integrated Review and in Jun 2021 will see the arrival of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group in the region, led by our Aircraft carrier, Queen Elizabeth 2. It will be the largest national maritime deployment for a very long time.
In this ever-evolving new world we live in, my thoughts are with you all in the UK because the Summer got lost in the outbreak of COVID-19, any holiday will be very precious. Sarah and I feel privileged that we are living through this pandemic in a climate which is more favourable than the UK. However, and being an optimist, I look forward to the day we can all visit a restaurant, have a beverage and socialise with people (this even includes Bob and Julie Price).
Finally, stay safe and I look forward at the chance to spending time with family back in the UK and France and seeing something of much missed friends.
Maj (MAA) M Galley RAPTC
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