NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas remains committed to the strategic acquisition of surface assets and aerial support assets (boats, etcetera) to augment the operational capability and effectiveness of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Minister of National Security, Dr. Bernard J. Nottage said.
Dr. Nottage said initiatives are also “ongoing” to ensure the proper maintenance of the Force’s assets thereby increasing the rate of operational availability. Similarly, Officers and Marines will continue to receive modern training with cutting-edge technology both locally and internationally to “further develop the intellectual capacity of our most important resource.”
Dr. Nottage announced that the Force is preparing for the inauguration of a new Base at Gun Point, Ragged Island, which he says is strategically positioned to guard against poaching and other transnational threats in the southern Bahamas.
“The commitment of the Government and the people of The Bahamas to continually enhance the Defence Force’s capability is an indication and acknowledgement of the vital role the Defence Force performs in guarding our heritage,” Dr. Nottage said.
“The decentralisation of Defence Force operations has established a consistent, nation-wide presence with bases throughout our islands primarily in Grand Bahama, Abaco, New Providence, Exuma and Great Inagua. The new Base at Gun Point, Ragged Island, is strategically positioned to guard against poaching and other transnational threats in the southern Bahamas,” he added.
Dr. Nottage’s revelations came during the Passing-Out-Parade for New Entry 49 and Woman Entry 19, at Her Majesty’s Bahamas Ship, Coral Harbour Base Thursday evening.
The group of 44 Males and 18 females increased the Force’s ranks by 62 and represented a cross-section of Bahamians from many of the Family Islands which Dr. Nottage said demonstrates a “concerted effort by the Defence Force to ensure the inclusion of Family Islanders within the ranks and rates of the Force.”
The National Security Minister told the new Marines that they will play a strategic role in the decentralisation of the Force, as they will be called upon to serve throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas “as the Defence Force systematically executes its strategy.”
“Your successful completion of New Entry Training today signals your commitment to contribute collectively to the mandate of the Defence Force in protecting and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, specifically on our seas,” Dr. Nottage said.
“This is a difficult, demanding and inherently risky task in the performance of defence and national security. Yours will be the task of dealing with issues ranging from the ordinary to the unexpected, some of which will carry great personal risk.”
Dr. Nottage said transnational criminals, including drugs and arms traffickers, the continuing flow of illegal migration and poaching, are just some of the issues the marines have been mandated to detect, investigate, and facilitate in the prosecution of, wherever applicable.
“You will be required to assist with search and rescue operations as well as to support our local and regional law enforcement partners. Additionally, you are expected to rise to the occasion when disaster strikes, or national emergencies occur.”
The 62 Marines were received into the Force following 16 weeks of intense training in 18 professional, naval and military disciplines, including firefighting, first aid, navigation, seamanship, small arms, survival and legislation and regulations, among others.
“This increase in human capital enhances the Force’s capability to effectively execute its decentralisation strategy throughout the northern, central and southern regions of The Bahamas, thus better equipping the Force to achieve its mandate and responsibility to the Bahamian people,” Dr. Nottage said.
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
