Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Official Handover of SAFE 25 Full Cabin Response Boat and Accessories from US to Bahamas Government
#Nassau, August 16, 2018 – Bahamas – During the Official Handover Ceremony of a SAFE 25 Full Cabin Response Boat and Accessories, on 
August 14, 2018, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames expressed gratitude in behalf of the Government and the people of The Bahamas to the US Embassy, which, he stated, yet again demonstrates the two countries’ diplomatic and close relations “over these many years”.
“Today’s handover ceremony marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between our two countries,” Minister Dames said, during the event held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Harbour Patrol Unit on East Bay Street. “The provision of this SAFE Full Cabin Response Boat and accessories – through the US Foreign Military Funding programme – represents the continued investment in the security partnership between the United States of America and the dedicated representatives at the Office of Defense Cooperation at the US Embassy Nassau Country Office, and The Bahamas.
“This gift will further strengthen our national resolve to secure our borders through the enhancement of maritime interdiction capabilities of the Defence Force’s Harbour Patrol Unit, HPU, a small Boat Station inaugurated in 2004 to improve the security within Nassau Harbour.”
Among those present at the event included Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy Stephanie Bowers; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel; RBDF Captain Clyde Sawyer, Principal Officer, Administration; RBDF Chaplin Rev. Prince Bodie; RBDF Commanding Officer, Harbour Patrol, Senior Lieutenant Andrew Bowe, and a number of RBDF and US military officers.
Minister Dames noted that the handover package – valued at over $1 million – included a SAFE 25 Full Cabin Response Boat, capable of speeds of over 40 knots and crew and passenger capacity of up to 10 persons; a 2018 Ford F-350 extended cab truck with boat trailer for launching and retrieving; and boat spares and safety equipment for up to two years of operation.
“This package also includes a two-week training programme on familiarization, operation, boat-handling and maintenance of this new vessel for up to 20 persons,” Minister Dames added. “The training will be conducted by SAFE Boats International.”
He pointed out that, with over six million visitors to our shores annually, mostly arriving by cruise ships that berth at Nassau Harbour, it is critical that the Harbour Patrol Unit (HPU) – a first responder at the Harbour – be equipped to respond to any and all incidents.
Toward this end, Minister Dames said, the HPU collaborates with the Port Department, Bahamas Customs and Immigration Departments, Ministry of Tourism, and the Defence Force’s Port Security Unit in an effort to optimally perform their duties.
“Apart from being tasked with preventing breaches in the cruise ship basin, monitoring boating activities or patrolling neighbourhood beaches, the Harbour Patrol personnel are also tasked with providing critical security against terrorist activity; illegal migration; and firearms and drug trafficking. In addition, they also provide environmental and marine resource protection and maritime and search and rescue operations,” Minister Dames said. “To date they have conducted 600 patrols and 400 boardings with 13 arrests. Notwithstanding this, without adequate maritime patrol assets none of these actions would be possible.”
Minister Dames added that the Response Boat and its accompanying accessories were, therefore, a welcomed addition to the Harbour Patrol Unit. He added that the Commander of the Defence Force had advised that the SAFE Boat will be used for the continued execution of maritime operations in the Nassau Harbour area including anti-terrorist activity; cruise ship waterside security; maritime patrol and search and rescue operations.
“Once again, on behalf of The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, The Ministry of National Security and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, I extend many thanks to The United States Government, as we accept this contribution to our maritime security efforts,” Minister Dames said. “I also offer our assurance that this SAFE Boat and equipment will be utilized in achieving and maintaining a high level of safety and security, here in Nassau Harbour and its environs, for citizens and our visitors alike.”
By: Eric Rose
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy Stephanie Bowers, and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, pictured at the US Embassy handover of SAFE Full Cabin Response Boat and accessories to the Bahamas Government on August 14, 2018 at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Harbour Patrol Unit on East Bay Street.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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