UK Navy Men Perform Community Service
By Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - Thirteen British Navy personnel from the HMS Westminster yesterday took time out from their busy schedule to perform a community service for Pusat Ehsan, a centre for people with special needs.

Rob Thompson, the Flight Commander of the HMS Westminster, said it was an eyeopener for most of the young crew members who had never come across disabled people.

"It may come as a shock for them but I think they are happier to be here (Pusat Ehsan) than aboard the ship," Thompson said, adding that they had been travelling to 10 countries before their port of call in Brunei.

While singing and chattering happily, they cleaned and painted the walls of one of the buildings of the centre. "We're actually having a great time doing this community service and this happens to be the first time that we've been involved in voluntary work for the disabled," Rob said.

He added that the crew had been enjoying the warm climate and the friendliness of Bruneians as this rarely happened in England.

"It has been a brilliant experience as there are so many things to see and do in Brunei, coming here is also a good way to meet people from all walks of life."

The crew also visited the RIPAS Hospital to provide their assistance towards the renovation of children's ward rooms.

They were scheduled to conduct naval maritime exercises with the Royal Brunei Navy as well as making a visit to the Royal Brunei Yacht Club yesterday.

The crew will be leaving today for Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 4000-tonne Royal Navy warship is part of a multinational task force conducting maritime security operations in international waters. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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