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Commander Defence Force attends UK-Second Caribbean Chiefs of Defence Conference, Antigua

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#Bahamas, September 13, 2021 – In keeping with the Global Security Collaborative Framework and Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King’s strategic intent in strengthening joint relationships with its regional and international partnerships, Commodore King attended the UK- Chief of Defence Staff (CHoDs’) in Antigua from 1- 3 September, 2021 to share best practices and to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Accompanied by his Aide, Sub Lieutenant Delroy Dennis, the sessions also included General Sir Nick Carter; Gen Chief of Defence Staff, United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland; Major General C S Collins, General Officer Commanding 1st UK Division; Lieutenant Colonel Simon Westlake Royal Marines United Kingdom’s Defence Attaché to the Caribbean; and Commander Brian Trim MBE RN Commander task Group.

Also in attendance were countries with various Chiefs of Defence Staff, in particular; Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and defence and security partners across the region, who took part virtually, and shared their views on global security and joint partnerships. They all agreed on several initiatives with training and education designed to improve collective capacity to deal with the diverse security challenges that confront the region.

The inaugural conference convened virtually in November 2020, with each of the regional Chiefs of Defence. This second conference focused on building on the success of the virtual event in strengthening the UK-Caribbean relationships, and developing concepts for UK engagement with its Caribbean partners on issues of mutual interest.

The three-day conference commenced with an ice-breaker reception and concert at Blizzard Camp, hosted by Antigua and Barbuda (ATG) – Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Telbert Benjamin, and joined by the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams. The core conference which took place on September 2nd, began with an opening ceremony, supported by the Prime Minister of ATG, Sir Gaston Browne.

In the first core session, UK- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland General Sir Nick Carter set out the UK perspective on the strategic context, informed by the recently concluded Integrated Review (IR) and Defence Command Plan (DCP). The three individual sessions covered issues of serious organized crime threats; regional initiatives and the implications for UK Defence engagement; and natural threats.

The UK- CDS expressed his ambition to use the conference as a vehicle for institutional capacity building, military capability development, training and education, doctrine, and concepts. These are ways to maximize collective security development with focused UK engagement while better constructing an approach that matches the region’s aspirations and requirements.

The final session of the three-day conference was held aboard HMS MEDWAY, River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel built on the Clyde. This permanent Caribbean patrol ship was deployed to the Caribbean to support disaster relief and conduct counter-trafficking operations as an alternative setting for a maritime security focused discussion. It served as a setting to discuss regional maritime security, which included talks around preparedness for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response (HADR), and UK involvement in regional partnerships.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Participants at the UK- second Caribbean Chief of Defence Staff (CHoDs’) in Antigua, 1- 3 September, 2021. 

1st insert: Commodore Raymond King, the Commander Defence Force, presenting his country’s brief on board HMS MEDWAY, during the second Caribbean Chiefs of Defence Staff conference in Antigua. 

2nd insert: Commodore Raymond King, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Brigadier General Steven Andrew Ortega, Commander Belize Defence Force; Lieutenant General Rocky R Meade, Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force; Brigadier Godfrey Bess Chief of Staff, Guyana Defence Force; Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel Chief of Defence Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Forces: In the front row; Colonel Telbert Benjamin, Commander of Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and General Sir Nick Carter, General Chief of Defence Staff, United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland.

3rd insert: Commodore Raymond King, the Commander Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Brigadier General Steven Andrew Ortega, Commander Belize Defence Force; General de Brigada Angel A Camacho Ubiera Inspector General of the Dominican Republic Army; Antigua and Barbuda – Colonel Telbert Benjamin, Commander of Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force; Major General C S Collins, General Officer Commanding 1st UK Division; Lieutenant General Rocky R Meade, Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force; Brigadier Godfrey Bess Chief of Staff, Guyana Defence Force; Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel Chief of Defence Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Forces Trinidad and Tobago; and Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel Chief of Defence Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Forces.

(Photos courtesy Mr. Wayne Mariette)

 

 (For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on FacebookTwitter and view our Youtube channel) 

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Bahamas Officials in Botswana

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president  Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

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RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(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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CIBC CARIBBEAN and Bahamas Girl Guides Association host inaugural Delaney Leadership Seminar

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Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.

The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships. 

The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.

“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.

Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.

Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”

The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives. 

In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.

It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.

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