Bahamas News
Creating and Maintaining a Sustainable Future for Diving Within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force
#TheBahamas, July 29, 2021 – Since the establishment of the Dive Section within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, a strategic approach has been taken to perpetuate this unit. The newly revamped dive program was formed to be a center of excellence for the region, and additionally, this unit also has a social responsibility to protect the environment.
Because a sustainable future for diving within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force requires a strategic approach, the organization must continually look at ways to augment its diving program to face the challenges of operating in the twenty-first century. Addressing the needs of a small island state such as The Bahamas, which is surrounded by one of the largest bodies of water within the region, is paramount. Subject-Matter Exchange Exercises with local and regional partners as means of strengthening relationships and building cooperation within the region may be used as an approach to benchmarking dive programs. Adopting a sustainable approach to diving within the Defence Force requires emphasis on the acquisition of more resources and capabilities from partner nations, to strengthen subsurface activities within the region as a whole.
Developing a center of excellence in diving where the needs of the organization’s operational functions can be achieved, includes fulfilling the mandate of search and rescue missions, are prudent to the success of the organization. The Defence Force seeks to brand its diving program, where regional members of the military and security forces can be trained in relatable dive skills and other duties related to search and rescue. This goal can be achieved through the building of strong partnerships with key stakeholders, promoting diving capabilities within the region. As the force seeks to build its diving program, it also similarly seeks to build member nations of the region, thus, improving the efficiency of divers’ capabilities to protect the region. This focuses on talent management, as the organization seeks to become a center of diving excellence.
A sustainable approach of diving in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force extends to the organization in its corporate social responsibility to protect the environment through its coral reef restoration efforts. In 2017, five (5) Defence Force Marines were qualified as Coral Nursery Restoration Divers. Along with protecting the territorial waters of the Bahamas, the RBDF Military Divers also work in conjunction with local agencies such as the Department of Marine Resources, Best Commission, and Department of the Environment, to investigate reports of marine environmental damage to local reefs. As an entity and the protectors of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the RBDF is committed to guarding its heritage against the deterrence of environmental damage and avert offenders who seek to cause potential damage to The Bahamas marine life.
Over the years, the Defence Force has continually produced effective and efficient divers within its organization in historic fashion by qualifying nine (9) dive masters, of which two are females. Today the dive program boasts a complement of ninety (90) military divers. Force Chief Petty Officer Thomas William, a Military Diver and PADI Master Instructor continually works on training divers and dive instructors to ensure that the force is maintaining a sustainable approach to diving in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
In addition to adopting a sustainable approach to diving with a focus on succession planning and recruitment efforts, the organization has introduced its Rangers Program (a cadet program) scuba diver international certified open water divers’ course along with local partners within the community. With twenty-four (24) scuba diver international certified open water divers, the Rangers Program remains a focal point for the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King’s strategic intent of focusing on organizational sustainment and national youth development.
By Petty Officer Monique Deveaux
(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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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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