#Nassau, February 26, 2019 – Bahamas – )The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is saddened by the lost of Senior Commander Amos Rolle, who passed away on February 25, 2019.
Senior Commander Rolle was the former
commanding officer of the ill-fated HMBS Flamingo during the Cuban incident on
May 10th, 1980. Approximately 40 days
prior to the incident, he became one of the pioneers of a fledgling Defence
Force when he along with 27 individuals were officially transferred from the
Royal Bahamas Police Force Marine Division to the newly formed Royal Bahamas
Defence Force in March 1980. Among those
transferred was Commodore Leon Smith (Retired), who became the first Bahamian
Commander Defence Force.
At the time, Senior Commander Rolle had attained the rank of Assistant Superintendent in the Police Force, and was subsequently given the rank of Lieutenant Commander upon being transferred. Both he and Commodore Smith were later appointed Commanding Officers of the 103-foot sister ships, HMBS Flamingo and Marlin, respectively. The patrol vessels were constructed in England by Vosper Thorney Croft and made the trans-Atlantic voyage to New Providence under the command of the two Bahamian officers in July 1978.
It was on May 10, 1980 that Senior Commander Rolle would become a part of one of the most significant events in the history of a vibrant Royal Bahamas Defence Force and a young Bahamas. A little over 2 months after the Defence Force became an official entity, he was on routine patrol in the southern Bahamas as the Commanding Officer of HMBS FLAMINGO when his vessel was attacked and sunk by Cuban jet fighters. Four young Marines lost their lives during this event. Nevertheless, Senior Commander Rolle was successful in returning the remaining 14 survivors to safety onboard a captured craft.
Senior Commander Rolle’s last
appointment was that of Captain Coral Harbour, a position he held until his
retirement in 1985.
The Commander Defence Force, Commodore
Tellis Bethel, extends sincerest condolences on behalf of the members of his
Executive Command, the Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned,, Junior
Marines, veterans of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and himself to the late
Senior Commander Rolle’s spouse, Mrs. Paula Rolle, his Children: Kerry, Cathy,
Anthea, Nadina, Jason and Yonae; grand-children, great grand-children, family
and loved ones.
(Photo courtesy of RBDF
Public Relations)
(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)
With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.
According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians.
“How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that the international community should take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.
It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.
HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.
According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.
Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.
The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.
STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.
This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement.
Study Tour Options:
The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.
The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.
Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.
Visitcaribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visitpuregrenada.com.
On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day.
Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness.
The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.
Constable Angelic Forester and a member of the public
Police Constable Delroy Green with a member of the public
Constable Jason Crossman and Insp Michael Francois
In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential.
Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are.
By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI.
As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities.
Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.