Bahamas News
Minister Dames Commends New RBDF-BAIC Programme
#Bahamas, October 18, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames said, on October 16, 2017 that the first Transitional Entrepreneurial Training Seminar Between The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) provided an outlet for senior members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to redirect their expertise.
“Using their professional background, they will be able to focus on business development with the technical assistance of BAIC experts which all bodes well for the economic development of our nation,” Minister Dames said, during the official opening of the entrepreneurial programme, held at BAIC, in the Soldier Road Industrial Park.
Also taking park in the ceremony were RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel; BAIC Executive Chairman Miriam Emmanuel, MP; BAIC General Manager Troy Sampson; senior Government Officials, BAIC staff members; RBDF Executives, Officers, Warrant Officers and Non-commissioned Officers; and seminar participants.
Minister Dames noted that he was pleased to be associated with “this innovative partnership” between the RBDF and BAIC and, therefore, commended all concerned for their visionary leadership and collaboration in making the programme a reality.
“I am certain that the Member of Parliament for MICAL would agree that this programme fits well into BAIC’s mantra of ‘Growing. Partnering. Empowering’; and with the Defence Force’s motto of ‘Guard Our Heritage’,” Minister Dames said.
“I understand that this joint venture was an idea that was initially presented to the General Manager at BAIC, Mr. Troy Sampson, by Commodore Tellis Bethel,” Minister Dames pointed out. “Commodore Bethel has advised me that Mr. Sampson and his team welcomed and developed the idea without hesitation. I applaud both you and the teams that supported you in this joint venture.”
Minister Dames stated that the topics and activities that would be covered during the seminar were “impressive.”
“They include local stock market investing, venture capital, government and private funding, tours of industrial parks and farms, and much more,” he said.
Minister Dames added that the more than 30 men and women taking part in the pilot programme had all served over 25 years in the Defence Force and will more than likely be exploring those areas of business in which they would have developed some degree of skill.
“I am made to understand that most, if not all, of you would have worked in at least two or more departments during your tenure in the Defence Force, thereby adding to your overall ability to brainstorm and implement unique solutions through creative enterprise,” he said. “In the business arena, your sense of discipline, commitment, hard work and responsibility are vital keys to your success.”
Minister Dames said that it should be mentioned that the entrepreneurial programme falls under the RBDF’s Operation Transformation, which is one of five strategic goals that have been set for the organization.
“Operation Transformation, I am advised, aims to invest in the leadership, management and supervisory skills of members of the Defence Force, as well as the development of their character, and their professional and vocational skills,” he noted. “This initiative therefore makes it possible for Defence Force members to fulfill their vision of setting the standard of excellence in leadership, integrity and achievement in guarding their heritage.”
The entrepreneurial seminar was, therefore, a part of a greater undertaking, Minister Dames stated.
“I urge you to ask questions, gain as much insight as you can into the business world, develop your business plans, and take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity for personal advancement,” he said.
Minister Dames said that he was also made to understand that, as a pilot programme, the seminar allowed for constructive feedback, which would be directed towards “constant improvement and expansion” for future participants in what is intended to be an ongoing programme.
“It should be noted that the initial launch of this programme was slated to begin nearly a year ago but had to be rescheduled due to the passage of Hurricane Matthew then and Hurricane Irma earlier this year,” Minister Dames pointed out. “Defence Force participants were subsequently called off to safeguard the Bahamian public and to provide disaster relief assistance.”
“Nevertheless, time and opportunity have reemerged to permit the programme to resume,” he added. “The experiences along the journey are practical reminders that the road to success is filled with many obstacles; however, if we keep pressing forward, upward, onward and together, eventually we will succeed.”
To the seminar participants, Minister Dames reiterated that they were being presented with an “incredible opportunity.”
“It is my hope that you maximize the use of the opportunities being made available to you for the successful development of your future dreams,” he said. “I thank you and congratulate you on another major milestone for the Defence Force and I wish you all the best of success.”
By: Eric Rose (BIS)
Photo caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames speaks, on October 16, 2017, at the Official Opening Ceremony of the first Transitional Entrepreneurial Training Seminar Between The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation at BAIC.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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