Coral Harbour Base, February 19, 2019 – Bahamas – The maritime borders of The Bahamas are challenged by illicit activities that often occur at the same time within different geographical locations around The Bahamas. To effectively respond to multiple threats including drug, human and weapons smuggling, as well as poaching and natural disasters, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has been steadily unfolding a comprehensive program to decentralize its operations using a multi-layered security approach within a collaborative framework throughout our family of islands.
Short
term maritime security measures alone will not work in solving challenges that
confront The Bahamas in these changing times. Currently, most of the Defence
Force patrol operations originate out of New Providence in the north-central
Bahamas. The multi-pronged dentralization program in which the Defence Force is
engaged calls for the establishment of bases for a sustained presence at
strategic choke points throughout our islands.
The program therefore involves the acquisition of ships, dredging of harbours, construction of quaywalls and jetties, expansion and/or construction of bases, the acquisition of detection and tracking technologies, and the strengthening of security cooperation with local and regional partners over the next five years.
In
essence, decentralization’ is a long term, sustainable solution that
facilitates the implementation of short term measures by the Defence Force in
rolling back a diverse number of illicit activities. Additionally, this
approach allows the Defence Force to provide necessary assistance to civilian
authorities such as police, customs, immigration, the Department of
Correctional Services, the National Emergency Management Agemcy and others.
PAST
ACTIVITIES
Despite
changes in the manner in which illicit activities are carried out on the
maritime front, the Defence Force’s anti-migrant smuggling operations have
unilaterally and in association with local and regional partners have apprehended
almost 1,200 Haitian nationals last year. Also last year, approximately 200
Dominicans were apprehended by the Defence Force aboard 5 motherships resulting
in the award of jail time and approximately $8 million dollars in fines by the
courts.
The Defence
Force had also deployed a number of its Marines to work with the Royal Bahamas
Police Force in its crime reduction efforts on our streets throughout the year.
The joint effort, which is still underway, yielded a noted reduction in the
nation’s murder rate–the lowest in a decade. This collaboration also included
two major operations in the Family Islands, resulting in arrests of persons
wanted by Police or found in possession of weapons, drugs, and other
contraband.
In
addition to extensive disaster relief operations that were carried out at home
and abroad (including an overseas mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica)
during the period 2015 through 2017, Defence Force troops have provided
fulltime security support for the residents of Ragged Island since that island
was left devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
CHANGING
TRENDS AND PATTERNS
Smuggling
of undocumented migrants is a major threat to The Bahamas. Needless to say,
times and technologies have changed, so too have trends and patterns that are
associated with the age-old problems of human, gun and drug smuggling, along
with increased potential for terrorist-related activities. Weather patterns
have also changed with an increase in frequency of tropical storms and
hurricanes in the region.
In the case of smuggling of undocumented migrants, there have been noticeable changes with the type of vessels being used and the maritime routes taken by smugglers to enter The Bahamas. In addition to using traditional sailing sloops, smugglers are now using conventional sailing yachts, as well as motorized boats that make it more difficult to detect them. To improve their chances of evading authorities, smugglers are also networking with locals in the islands.
The thing that has not changed over many years is the improvement of border controls at the source country (the Republic of Haiti), which itself is challenged by a vast coastline and limited national resources to secure it. Thus, smugglers are able to operate freely at home, while placing more security demands on neighboring countries or territories such as The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As the
Defence Force makes headway in shutting down main smuggling routes, human
smugglers naturally shift to new or alternative routes. With this balloon
effect in play, common smuggling routes or access points now include the
traditional northward passage, as well as additional maritime corridors in the
southern Bahamas.
These
access points exist from as far east as the Turks and Caicos Islands to as far
west as Cay Lobos (on the ocean’s edge south of Andros Island). This southern
gateway spans a distance of over 300 nautical miles (nm) making it possible for
smugglers to by-pass Defence Force and US law enforcement assets operating in
the south.
CLASSIC
EXAMPLES
A classic
example of how trends and patterns have changed over the years is seen in the
matter involving the vessel that recently sank in waters off central Abaco on
Saturday 2 February 2019. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of over 30
Haitian nationals. Their vessel struck a reef six miles off mainland Abaco and
sank. It was not one of the traditional wooden sloops normally used for
smuggling, but rather a modern 40-foot sailing yacht commonly used by hundreds
of visitors to The Bahamas making it difficult for authorities to distinguish
it as a human smuggling vessel. Additionally, the passage taken by this vessel
could have very well been an irregular one off the eastern coast of our islands
in the Atlantic Ocean.
Another
example of changing trends is the influx of undocumented migrants being
smuggled into the Turks and Caicos Islands. This British Overseas Territory at
the southeastern end of The Bahama Island chain is extremely challenged by
smugglers of Haitian nationals. With a tiny population of over 30,000 people,
landings of undocumented migrants on these islands have been occurring more
frequently with smugglers using traditional sloops, as well as motorized
vessels with outboard engines.
Also, in
January of this year, Cuban authorities intercepted a Haitian sloop with over
90 persons on board. This vessel was more than likely making its way westward
along the Cuban coast with the hope of avoiding detection by Operation Bahamas
Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) helicopters based in Inagua, US Coast Guard vessels
patrolling the Windward Passage area near Haiti, and Defence Force patrol craft
stationed in the south before heading northward anywhere along the extensive
maritime boundary line between The Bahamas and Cuba.
OPERATION
DECENTRALIZATION
Although the Defence Force conducts patrols on short rotations in the southern Bahamas as part of its short term strategy, the organization is simultaneously unfolding its decentralization program through a multi-layered security approach with a collaborative approach for a sustaines and more effective effort. (
Presently,
most Defence Force operations originate out of Coral Harbour Base in New
Providence. Located in the north-central Bahamas, this base is over 300 nm from
Inagua in the south and approximately 150 nm from the top of the Abaco chain in
the north. New Providence-centric operations are time-consuming, ineffective
and create much unnecessary wear and tear on ships and personnel for operations
in the southern or northern Bahamas. The Defence Force’s decentralization
program, therefore, requires the establishment of regional commands with fully
operational bases at strategic locations in these areas over the next five
years.
The
decentralization program is designed to sustain the Defence Force’s presence at
strategic locations throughout The Bahamas. The program will also reduce
maintenance requirements on Defence Force ships and machinery, as well as limit
undue stress on ships’ personnel when on 24/7 patrol assignments.
The nine
ships that were acquired and the three major harbours yhat were dredged under
the $232 million dollar Sandy Bottom Project during the period 2014 – 2017
constituted the first phase of the Defence Force’s decentralization program.
The second and third phases of the decentralization program consists of the
establishment of bases and the acquisition of detection and tracking
technologies for the effective and efficient policing of Bahamian borders.
These bases are needed to sustain the operations of ships and aircraft at
strategic locations such as Inagua and Ragged Islands in the south, while
detection technologies are instslled to enhance the efficiency of these
operations.
A VAST
MARITIME DOMAIN
Unlike land patrols that have clearly defined boundaries with limited options for escape by criminals, the open sea has no limits. The vastness of The Bahamas maritime domain is severely underestimated by many. Take for example, how small the area just south of New Providence looks on a map. Often plied by Haitian sloops, this north-central area of the Great Bahama Bank is bounded by the Exuma Chain to the east, the Tongue of the Ocean to the west, and Green Cay near the southern end of the Tongue of the Ocean. In reality, this area alone covers over 9,000 square nautical miles of water. Compared to the 21-by-7-mile-wide New Providence Island where more than 70 percent of the nation’s population resides, this very small portion of the Great Bahama Bank is about 100 larger in size.
The
average distance at which a low lying vessel, and in particular, a Haitian
sloop can be seen on a clear day is approximately 3 to 7 miles with the naked
eye during daylight hours. (Even regular marine radars are limited in detecting
wooden Haitian sloops from a distance). In a very general sense, it would take
several ships to maintain an effective watch over the 300 nm stretch of water
between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Cay Lobos. Patrol effectiveness are
all the more diminished during nighttime operations when smugglers travel most.
A recent
example of the difficulty in detecting and tracking a human smuggling vessel is
found when a patrol craft, a US Coast Guard Cutter, an OPBAT aircraft, and a
police aircraft were deployed over several days to find a Haitian sloop that
was initially sighted almost 200 nm southeast of New Provodence. In the end,
the sloop was spotted by an OPBAT aircraft and intercepted by a Defence Force
patrol craft on Sunday 16 February 2019 approximately 40 nm south of New
Providence on the Great Bahama Bank.
The
absence of adequate bases and patrol craft aided by appropriate detection and
tracking technologies paints the picture of looking for a needle in the
proverbial ‘haystack’ when searching for targets of interest. Without such
technologies, more ships and personnel will be needed to keep a coastal watch
on land and at sea with increased wear and tear on assets and personnel.
ACQUISITION
OF REQUISITE TECHNOLOGIES
No single
asset or detection equipment is going to solve today’s challenges. Each asset
or equipment has its strengths and limitations; yet, their contributions are
complementary to the success of effective border security. For example, the
suspect vessel that a radar might fail to detect, might be located by a drone
or an aircraft. The use of detection and tracking equipment is not a cure-all’;
however, when used in a multi-layered approach, such technologies would enhance
the chances of detecting and tracking illicit activities within The Bahamas’
maritime domain.
An
effective decentralization program should therefore incorporate a multi-layered
security approach consisting of ships, aircraft, radars, drones, Automated
Identification Systems (AIS), Forward Looking Infra-Red Cameras, CCTVs, space
satellites, and other detection equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
Already,
a coastal radar has been installed in Inagua inclusive of AIS equipment. It is
the first in a series of coastal radars to be installed along our chain of
islands with the financial support of the United States government. The US
government has also funded a multi-million dollar communications equipment
package that is being installed to improve Defence Force air, land and sea
communications. Additionally, proposals have been received by the Ministry of
Finance for the implementation of a multi-agency drone program that will
consist of long and short-range drones to be managed by the Ministry of
National Security.
INTERAGENCY
AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
Furthermore,
no single agency can roll back the tide of illicit activities. Interagency
cooperation has been the mantra of the Minister of National Security, the
Honourable Marvin Dames, ever since taking office in 2017. In further
strengthening its resolve to prevent, monitor, detect, deter and/or apprehend
those who violate our maritime laws, the RBDF continues to engage in
collaborative efforts with its regional partners–the US, the Turks and Caicos
Islands, the Republic of Cuba, and Jamaica–in the areas of information sharing
and security cooperation with favourable results. The Defence Force also looks
forward to engaging in security cooperation dialogue with its counterparts in
the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the office of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
THE WAY
AHEAD
Undoubtedly,
the way ahead requires significant investment, which is being addressed. In
view of multiple maritime challenges confronting The Bahamas, the Defence Force
is shifting from a reactionary approach towards the phased implementation of
its decentralization program for the effective policing of borders of The
Bahamas.
In the
interim, the dedicated, hard-working men and women of the Defence Force will
continue to adjust and adapt their mode of operating to overcome human
smuggling and other illegal activities in collaboration with local and regiomal
partners while the goal of decentralization is being realized.
(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)
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Some of the most successful and accomplished professionals and business leaders in the country recently shared their experiences and nuggets of wisdom with students at University of The Bahamas (UB) about thriving in a wide range of careers.
The University Centre for Counselling and Career Services and the Career and Job Placement Advisory Unit collaborated to host the 2024 Career Symposium which brought students face to face with leaders in the careers to which they aspire.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, said the symposium was key to developing potential as university students strive to leave their mark on the world.
Ms. Rickell Curry
“In the spirit of collaboration and growth, let us engage in meaningful dialogue, cultivate relationships, and harness the power of collective wisdom to shape our futures,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, united in our commitment to realizing our fullest potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities and beyond.”
Promoting careers in psychology, Ms. Curry noted that psychologists are equipped with the ability to help others, troubleshoot areas of weakness within themselves, and become better people and professionals in the process.
“The floor is yours to be able to explore. There’s no job where you don’t have to deal with people, so learning, even if you get a bachelor’s in psychology, is a great grounding,” she said.
Dr. Darville, one of few interventional radiologists in The Bahamas, offered another nugget of advice on choosing an area of study.
Dr. Elizabeth Darville
“It is important to know enough about yourself in order to make the decisions you want to make,” said Dr. Darville. “You have to work on yourself first and know what you want to do. Radiology gives you a chance to have fun. It gives you a chance to mold your career closer to your personal life than other medical specialties might.”
Another growing field is project management which Mr. Hepburn called a life skill. He also urged a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Individuals that continue to learn become unstoppable, period,” said Mr. Hepburn. “It is so true. When you learn, you become unstoppable because nothing can stop you in your process of development.
Mr. Wellington Hepburn
“The more you know, the more valuable you are. We need individuals who are cross functional—that can operate in different capacities. So please understand that your learning should never stop.”
With small and medium-sized businesses helping to drive the economy at an incredible rate, Ms. Rolle affirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in any economy.
“When we talk about entrepreneurship, we usually look at it from a myopic standpoint,” she said. Ms. Rolle. “What do I mean by that? Small, but usually about self: ‘how do I make more money?’ And in some cases, some look at entrepreneurship as a way of survival. ‘I need to make a couple extra dollars, I have this bill to pay’. Those types of things.
Ms. Samantha Rolle
“But entrepreneurship really, in its truest form, is about innovation, whether it’s a new concept or any existing concept that you innovate new ways, or help expand the economy.”
The career symposium was held at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre and is held every academic year.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Career Symposium 1: UB Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, delivers the opening address at the 2024 Career Symposium.
Career Symposium 2: Students and guest speakers enjoy a lighthearted moment during the 2024 Career Symposium.
Career Symposium 3: Ms. Rickell Curry speaks to students during the 2024 Career Symposium.
Career Symposium 4: Dr. Elizabeth Darville delivers remarks during the 2024 Career Symposium.
Career Symposium 5: Mr. Wellington Hepburn educates students on the importance of project management during the 2024 Career Symposium.
Career Symposium 6: Ms. Samantha Rolle talks about the role and importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in any economy.
#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – After years of thorough maintenance, The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in The Bahamas is finally getting a multi-million dollar makeover, readying the 10-year old facility ahead of the World Athletics Relays on May 5, 2024; it is being staged in Nassau for the fourth time.
This $36 million refurbishment is being funded by the Chinese Government, as part of a vision to enhance the country’s sport infrastructure to benefit youths in athletics. The stadium was gifted to The Bahamas in 2012 by the Chinese.
The relay is the qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and there will be 32 national teams, in each relay event, and 20 races on both days of competition, according to World Athletics.
Day 1, will have 20 heats across the five Olympic-calibre events (4 heats each for 4×100, 4×400, men, women and mixed) and will qualify 40 teams for the Summer Olympics.
Distinctly, the top two teams from each heat will directly qualify for the 2024 Games.
On day 2, 30 more national teams will be qualified through 15 heats and five finals, across those five events.
The upgrades which include new trusses, rooftops, seats, the lawn, score boards, LED displays and more, are expected to be complete at least two weeks before the relays, being held under the theme: ‘Chase the Sun’.
In a special ceremony on Monday April 8, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip Davis said:
In December 2023, our shared vision took shape, as the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the government of the People’s Republic of China, inked an implementation agreement for the renovation of the stadium. This gesture of goodwill and friendship, from the Chinese government to undertake the China Aid Maintenance and Renovation project of our national stadium, stands as a testament to the strong bonds that unite our countries. This project, executed by China Urban Construction Research Institute Company Limited, and the China Machinery Industry Construction Group Company Limited, reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and mutual development.”
Additionally, H.E Dai Qingli, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas who also attended that ceremony, spoke.
“At the end of the project, the Bahamian people will get a fully renewed and modern world class stadium because everything is going to be either renewed or repaired,” she said.
Some 1,600 athletes will be in The Bahamas for the World Athletics relays, with five events. The Bahamas won the bid over Lausanne, Rome in 2022.
Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in reports, thanked China for their contribution to the redevelopment of the stadium.
“We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that they bring this facility back up to A1 standard so that we can continue holding international events and using these facilities as a development of our young people.”
#TheBahamas, April 15, 2024 – The Bahamas Government says the Grand Bahama Port Authority owes over $300 million, now causing a very public squabble between the two entities and potential years long arbitration proceedings.
The total owed according to the government is $357 million over the last five fiscal years, 2018-2022.
Seemingly down to business, the Davis Administration, according to reports, sent a letter to the Port Authority at the start of the month, in which 30 days was given for them to pay up.
If the 30-day deadline isn’t met, Davis says the Government has the right to start arbitration proceedings.
A Grand Bahama attorney who criticized the government’s actions, also expressed that the tension could lead to up to five years of arbitration.
The letter, as reported by the Tribune, refers to clause 1(5)(c) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
Regarding the tensions between the Port Authority and the Government, the financial conflict apparently rests on Davis’ accusation that the Port Authority failed to follow its obligations under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
“Unfortunately, the Port Authority has not been living up to its legal obligations to develop and grow the economy in Freeport. In many cases, the government has had to step in where the Port has failed. Let’s be clear about what this means: it means that the Bahamian people have been subsidizing the profits of these private shareholders! That is not right. You deserve flourishing, thriving communities. You deserve an inclusive economy that generates opportunity, dignity, and security. You deserve what is owed to you under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement,” Davis said.
In a clap back at the Government’s accusations, the Port Authority in reports are quoted declining the Government’s claim that they owe the “sum of $357 million.”
“We reject and will robustly defend against this claim, which we firmly believe will be defeated,” it stated.
Davis, who was speaking in a meeting on Saturday April 6, informed that before things got to this level, they were having meetings.
“We had many, many meetings and exchanges before we arrived at this point. But there were too many delays and too many dead ends. When only one side appears interested in advancement – and when the people of Freeport urgently need change and progress – then decisive action is the only choice,” he maintained.
The now peaked tension was sparked in June of 2023 when Davis stated that the Authority is failing to maintain Freeport’s infrastructure and encourage the growth of the city, as it claimed owed expenses, now said to be the hundreds of millions.
To this, in June 2023, the free quasi-governmental authority responded saying the sums stated by the government are “contested” and “it is yet to be satisfied,” claims reports say, are supported by credible evidence.