Bahamas News
Women United Applauded for Success of First Empowerment Summit
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – February 26, 2020 — Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, applauded Women United and its Political Subcommittee for the success of the body’s first Women’s Empowerment Summit.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development through its Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Summit was held Monday evening (February 24) at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Parish Hall.
The Summit brought together females from across socio-economic, religious, professional and political backgrounds to, as Women United’s Political Subcommittee Chair Mrs. Sharmie Farrington-Austin, said: “begin in earnest, this most important discussion on gender equality in politics”.
Minister Campbell said, “I really felt that the spirit of the Suffrages were alive because I saw and heard persons whom I know have different views, different philosophies, different backgrounds, but they all had this commonality of purpose, this love of country, this understanding and appreciation for the role of women in loving this country; for the needed contribution of women for the development of this country.”
“I heard commitment. I heard passion. I felt a spirit of unity and oneness. I saw and felt no barriers tonight. It was women prepared, willing and able to put their best forward, to put forward their all for the development and advancement of this Bahamas. If that spirit continues, I am satisfied and pleased to know that we all have to walk around in dark, dark, dark shades because our future politically, our future of governance, is very, very bright,” Minister Campbell added.
Mrs. Prodesta Moore, Chair, Women United, applauded the collaboration between the Organization, its Political Subcommittee, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and the Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
“Women United seeks to bring women together to collectively contribute to the advancement of women, the growth of the nation, and the betterment of The Bahamas wholly. Women United’s mission is: ‘to involve women of all walks of life in positive, progressive and uplifting programmes, initiatives and efforts that will continuously advance he people of The Bahamas and move the nation forward’.
“We continue to foster relationships with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs on mutual issues (as) we seek to bring about a greater awareness of the need for women inclusion which is consistent with the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 5.”
Mrs. Farrington-Austin said members of the Political Subcommittee were “humbled” by the opportunity to organize the Summit.
“There is no question that, as we approach our 60th year of the Women’s Suffrage Movement Anniversary in 2022, the year 2020 must be the year that we begin in earnest this most important discussion on gender equality in politics. We must not only talk, but must resolve to take action,” Mrs. Farrington-Austin said.
“We have come a long way since women obtained the Right to Vote in 1962, but the struggle continues and there is much more work to be done. This Summit provided a platform for existing and emerging political women, young and old, to address issues affecting women,” Mrs. Farrington-Austin added.
The Summit was addressed by Minister Campbell, in addition to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, and speakers from across the political divide and professions.
BIS PRESS RELEASE BY MATT MAURA
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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