|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie addresses the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commissioning Ceremony for Her Majesty's Bahamian Ships, Lawrence Major, Lignum Vitae, and Cascarilla and the RBDF Disaster Relief Equipment at the John Alfred Dock, East Bay Street on March 18, 2016. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
|
NASSAU, The Bahamas - Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said Friday that ever-expanding threats and the geographical reality that is his archipelagic nation make it all the more evident that it is incumbent upon the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to decentralize its operations.
"We now stand at the threshold of another significant period in the history of the Defence Force that marks the beginning of a new era for the Defence Force and its members," Prime Minister Christie said during the Commissioning of Her Majesty's Bahamian Ship (HMBS) Lawrence Major, the (HMBS) Lignum Vitae, the (HMBS) Cascarilla, and the RBDF Disaster Relief Equipment, at John Alfred Dock, March 18, 2016.
"Realizing this mandate, the Bahamas Government back in 2013 earmarked some $232 million dollars under the Sandy Bottom Project towards equipping and decentralizing the Force to increase its overall efficacy," he pointed out.
HMBS Cascarilla. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
|
"In 2014, contractual agreements were signed for the acquisition of nine patrol crafts, the dredging of three harbours, the overhaul of the two Bahama Class vessels, and the construction of a Technical Workshop, a supply warehouse and a state-of-the-art operations center," Prime Minister Christie added. "The Defence Force is, therefore, at a place in history where it is quickly moving to permanently deploy Officers and Marines, ships and aircraft, and other essential resources to bases at strategic locations throughout the Northern, Central and Southern Bahamas.
Royal Bahamas Defence Force. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
|
That investment -- the largest capital outlay of its kind in the history of The Bahamas -- was necessary in light of the myriad of threats confronting the nation, Prime Minister Christie noted.
"These security threats are compounded by an aging fleet, by a shortage of personnel, and limited bases,” to name but a few of the challenges facing the Defence Force, he stated.
Ribbon cutting by Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, and Mrs. Stella E. Major, widow of Lawrence Major. Pictured from left: Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, Mrs. Portia Nottage; Mrs. Bernadette Christie, Prime Minister Perry Christie; HE Dame Marguerite Pindling; Mrs. Stella E. Major; Mrs. Bell, Minister of State for National Security Senator Keith Bell; Mrs. Teri Bethel, and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (Actg.) Captain Tellis A. Bethel. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
|
Prime Minister Christie said that to resolve those issues that diminish the effectiveness of the Force’s efforts, major changes are being implemented within the Defence Force. These changes include the decentralization of the Defence Force, the augmentation and modernization of the Force’s fleet and bases under the Sandy Bottom Project, and the accelerated rate of recruitment of personnel.
"I can say publicly that the Government of The Bahamas has committed to seeing this change through to completion by providing the required resources and platform from which this small but effective force can execute their duties," he said.
Cutting of the Commissioning Cake for HMBS LAWRENCE MAJOR by Acting Lieutenant Commander Milton Munro; Mrs. Stella E. Major, widow of Lawrence Major; and Marine Seaman Ralph Gibson, Jr. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
|
Prime Minister Christie stated that the day was, therefore, another milestone in the unfolding of the Defence Force. He added that the commissioning of the three vessels, along with life-saving disaster relief equipment, attested to his Government’s commitment to "invest heavily in the safety and security of our nation."
"The acquisition of this 188-foot Landing Craft, the two 98-foot coastal patrol vessels, and a 17-piece containerized Mobile Base will inevitably extend the reach and shorten response time for the Defence Force in tracking, deterring and intercepting those involved in transnational criminal activity, as well as helping distressed island communities when a natural disaster occurs," Prime Minister Christie said.
He noted that the people of The Bahamas are already "reaping positive returns" on the investment.
Prime Minister and Mrs. Christie. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
|
The HMBS Lawrence Major, for example, had apprehended over 40 undocumented migrants in February of this year, he said.
"This 185-foot vessel has also assisted with disaster management efforts in delivering relief supplies and reconstruction materials to islands that were adversely impacted by Hurricane Joaquin," he added.
Prime Minister Christie pointed out that the signing of the patrol craft and dredging agreements with Damen Shipyards and Van Oord Dredging Companies in 2014, under the Sandy Bottom Project, heralded the beginning of a new era for the Defence Force and The Bahamas. The agreed completion date for all civil works including the construction of buildings and quay walls in Coral Harbour, Inagua and Ragged Island is October 2016, he added.
"We are indeed grateful for the vision of our nation’s first Prime Minister to establish a National Defence Force," Prime Minister Christie said. "This combined commissioning ceremony, in the presence of Defence Force service men and women -- past and present -- encompasses all the tenets of that vision of Sir Lynden Pindling."
Minister of National Security the Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage during remarks at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commissioning Ceremony for Her Majesty's Bahamian Ships at the John Alfred Dock, East Bay Street, on March 18, 2016. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
|
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
