Bahamas News
Governor General Makes Annual Christmas Visit to Grand Bahama’s Rand Hospital
#Bahamas, December 17, 2017 – Grand Bahama – A message of thankfulness was shared on Wednesday, December 13, by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling during the 19th Annual Goernor General’s Visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital, under the theme “Celebrating our Health Partners.”
“I am aware that the hurricane which affected Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini earlier this year has been a source of deep concern because of the resulting damage and disruption this natural disaster brought to some. Notwithstanding this, we must ever be thankful that no lives were lost, and that we are enabled to press forward to recover and renew our activities and our communities.”
She further added, “This is the time of the year when our hearts and minds begin to swell in anticipation of the coming celebrations, and when we focus our minds and hearts on the miracle of our salvation, and the real meaning of the events which took place some 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem.”
The Governor General commended the staff for the reports of high calibre service and their devotion to providing service selflessly. “Your service to the Grand Bahama community and the nearby islands is indeed commendable, and I know that you have earned the respect and gratitude of all.”
Gathering at Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is always special, she said. As people are exchanging greetings and celebrating, Dame Marguerite urged them to remember the love given through the birth of our Saviour, and as such, they should share and spread love with all those they come in contact with.
“As we exchange greetings and gifts, let us be conscious of the real meaning of the season, and seize the opportunity to focus on the many blessings received and given.”
Also giving brief remarks during the ceremony were Acting Minister of Health, the Hon. Michael Pintard and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson. The Public Hospitals Authority of Grand Bahama Health Services used the opportunity to honour Pioneer Health Partners (physicians and nurses) in the West End Community Clinic and retired and deceased health partners. Many local businesses and service clubs were also honoured for their assistance to GBHS.
Following the official ceremony, Her Excellency was taken on a tour of the hospital, when she had the opportunity to stop and visit with a few patients.
By: Robyn Adderley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: MERRY CHRISTMAS – Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor-General, was on Wednesday, December 13, in Grand Bahama for the 19th Annual Governor-General’s Visit. Following a ceremony, Dame Marguerite toured the Rand Memorial Hospital, accompanied by Hospital Administrator, Sharon Williams; Acting Minister of Health and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard; and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson. The group stopped in and visited with an expectant mother, Nickita Campbell and presented her with the gift of a baby carrier. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
Insert: SHOWING APPRECIATION – During the 19th Annual Governor-General’s visit on Wednesday, December 13, the Grand Bahama Health Services presented a number of corporate partners with a plaque. Shown from left are: Acting Minister of Health, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard; Governor-General of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling; Lynne Fraino, Kelly’s Freeport Ltd.; and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
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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