Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: RBDF Apprehends Undocumented Migrants in Exuma Chain
Coral Harbour Base, February 18, 2019 – Bahamas – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force apprehended a Haitian smuggling vessel west of Compass Cay in the central Exuma chain around 12:45 today. The apprehension was the culmination of an interdiction effort coordinated by the Defence Force involving the Royal Bahamas Police Force, OPBAT, the US Coast Guard, and concerned citizens over several days.
The interdiction operation was initiated after the Defence Force received information concerning the whereabouts of a migrant smuggling vessel in the southern Bahamas. A Defence Force patrol boat, an aircraft from the US-led anti-drug unit known as OPBAT, (Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands), and a US Coast Guard cutter began searching for the vessel with negative sightings.
The Defence Force Defence Force patrol craft HMBS LIGNUM VITAE, under the command of Lieutenant Alexis Brown, and P-45 coxswained by Petty Officer Lamont Thurston were also on the lookout for the vessel in the central Bahamas from two days ago. The Defence Force later requested and received the assistance of the Royal Bahamas Police Force aircraft in searching for the vessel with negative results.
The vessel–a wooden sloop–was seen by a civilian pilot in the area of Scrub Cays near the Tongue of the Ocean, west of the Exuma chain on Saturday 16 February. The sighting which was also verified by the Deputy Chief Councillor for Exuma, Mr. Loan Rolle, was reported to the Police Force in Exuma.
A more extensive search was then coordinated by the Defence Force with the assistance of the Police Force aircraft with RBDF flight observers on board, and an OPBAT aircraft resulting in the Haitian sloop being spotted by the OPBAT aircraft near Compass Cay in the Exuma chain shortly after 10 a.m. this morning.
The vessel was subsequently intercepted by P-45 coxswained by Petty Officer Lamont Thurston around 12:45 p.m. today approximately 10 nautical miles west of Hawksbill Cay in the Exuma chain with about 64 undocumented Haitian nationals on board.
The undocumented migrants will be transported to Nassau where they will be handed over to Police and Immigration officials for further processing.
The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, extends thanks to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, OPBAT, the US Coast Guard, and concerned citizens for their invaluable support for the success of this operation. Commodore Bethel also expresses his gratitude for the diligence of his Operations Branch headed by Commander Clarence Dean with the support of the wider Force.
With news of the crisis in Haiti intensifying, the Defence Force is also on the look out for illicit smuggling activities in the southern Bahamas in the event there is an influx of undocumented migrants from Haiti.
A temporary holding facility will also be set up by the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with The Bahamas Immigration Department and the Royal Bahamas Defence in the southern Bahamas in the event of an increase.
The Defence Force is also collaborating with local Immigration officials, the United States Coast Guard, as well as with OPBAT to further strengthen border security in the southern Bahamas.
Thus far, the Defence Force has apprehended or assisted in apprehending a total of 207 Haitian nationals for the year. This number excludes the 31 bodies recovered from the waters off Abaco after their 40-foot conventional yacht struck a reef and sank on Saturday 2 February. Investigations by Police and Immigration officials into this smuggling incident are still ongoing.
Last year, the Defence apprehended or assisted in apprehending 1,172 Haitians.
For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel.
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Release: RBDF
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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