Bahamas News
High-Profile list of National Leaders & Organizations slated for CARICOM Meeting in Nassau
By Deandrea Hamilton & Rashaed Esson
Editorial Staff
#TheBahamas, February 15, 2023 – The foreign affairs minister of The Bahamas, Hon Fred Mitchell, arguably the most experienced Bahamian CARICOM minister held a debriefing on Monday February 13 in Freeport; there he unpacked the prominent individuals and organizations expected at the 44th Regular CARICOM meeting.
The roll-call included the president of the Afri-Import Export Bank, Secretary General of the World Trade Organisation and in one of many special presentations, South Korean leaders are expected to make an official appeal.
“Joining us will also be representatives from South Korea because they are campaigning for the support of CARICOM countries for the vote at the Bureau of International Expositions in Paris for the exposition in the year 2030,” said Mitchell.
Also, to be present and representing the United States, former Senator John Dodd and United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry; the Assistant Director General of the FAO, the Food and Agriculture
Organisation and already highly publicized as a special guest, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine will join the Members by video-link.
This year, The Bahamas will be hosting with its Prime Minister, Phillip Davis as chairman.
CARICOM’s priorities this year are many, but these five rise to the top: Crime fueled by illegal arms trafficking; Food and Energy Security; Haiti’s Humanitarian Crisis and Climate Financing.
“The Prime Minister, in an address at the outlook seminar, which took place at the start of the year, laid out his priorities in Foreign Affairs and the major priority is the issue of climate change. So, he said, and he’s been travelling around the world beating the bushes on the subject, because for The Bahamas, climate change is existential and that means quite simply this, the sea level is rising around the world and in the Bahamas 80 percent of the land is within three meters of the sea, so that means, if their sea level rise, the country will disappear or as he says we will either be refugees, climate change refugees or die in a watery grave. That’s the stark reality of what is happening. So, we need to have a couple of things done. Money is the key issue. “
The CARICOM meeting officially opens in Nassau on Wednesday.
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)
-
Caribbean News5 days agoFleming Fund projects launched with CARPHA, UKHSA and PAHO to fortify the Caribbean’s fight against Antimicrobial Resistance
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBoost in Flights from Canada to The Islands of The Bahamas this Summer and Fall
-
Caribbean News6 days agoMartinique Showcases Unique Cruise Appeal and Growing Accessibility at Cruise360
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCabinet Approves Unemployment Insurance Benefit for NIS Contributors
-
Bahamas News6 days agoScotia Wealth Management named Best International Private Bank at the Euromoney Private Bank Awards 2025
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCaribbean Tourism Maintains Strong Growth in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
-
Caribbean News5 days agoDominica and USVI Lead Growing List of Sponsors for Caribbean Week in New York 2025
-
News4 days agoTURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BOOSTS SECURITY RESOURCES