Acting Commander of the Defense Force Tellis Bethel says that’s there no need for alarm in regards to the recent gift given by the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese republic gave an amount of $1.2 million and 33 different types of items were listed including but not limited to smoke tear gas grenades and anti- grenade launders.

“No need whatsoever. If anything its to protect the public from what can happen in the future. Its in the interest of the public’s protection because we are here to service the people,” Mr. Bethel said.

The donation was made last week.

According to the Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, it came after recent discussion when the RBDF was given the chance to list its needs.

The money, which will be used to purchase military equipment, was accepted during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of National Security in the Churchill Building on bay Street.

“These were gifts presented by the Chinese Government. With respect to grenade launders, they offered launchers with for the purpose of tear gas which was not a part of the original gift offer but it came after. So we see ourselves being able to assist the police and allow them to use that as well,” the commander said.

“The armed carriers in regards to the defence force doesn’t have any vehicle that adequately protect its personnel in the event of nay high risk situation. In the future, the defense force will have that protection for its troop.”

Amongst the list was 33 different types of items, which include two armoured vehicles for the defence force, two 38 automatic anti-riot grenade launchers, 10,038 smoke tear gas grenades, anti-riot gear sets, (and) 60 portable low-light level night vision goggles.