On Saturday, September 17, 2022, Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King participated in the World Pathfinder Day Parade and Ceremony where he delivered the keynote address.The parade which celebrated the 72nd Anniversary of World Pathfinder Day, and the 100th Anniversary of its Master Guide Program, began at Christie Park, and saw hundreds of youth from the Seventh-day Adventist Church Community show up for the occasion.The event takes place on the third Sabbath (Saturday) of September, each year and is a special day where 2 million Pathfinders worldwide celebrate what it means to be a Pathfinder.The march ended at Clifford Park where the youth performed an official march pass, and Commodore King was the keynote speaker for the brief ceremony held. In his address, he spoke about his upbringing and referenced the many challenges he faced during his career.“My career can be characterized by periods of trials and tribulations as I ascended through the ranks…[however], I am able to reflect on my professional experiences as one of a life of second chances fulfilled through determination, resiliency, perseverance, and diving intervention and purpose to succeed in the face of insurmountable challenges.”He also noted that despite life’s challenges, the program was a great mechanism for positive change.“As I reflect on your theme of “Changing the World” […], the leadership and spiritual principles outlined in your Pathfinder’s philosophy, objectives, motto, pledge, and law provides the foundational principles and training necessary to become Agents of Change.”He also shared that while growing up in the Adventist church – unknowingly – it was the Pathfinder tenets, which set him on his life’s path. “Discovery of your God-given potential and utilization of your gifts and abilities […] and being team-centered while sharing leadership responsibilities. Both objectives have served as the foundation and moral compass which have shaped and greatly influenced my managerial and leadership styles today.”He left the youth with a challenge as they sought to be Agents of Change.“As Agents of Change, you are encouraged to remain focused on changing the world rather than being changed by the world. Use the Word of God […], stay civil, polite, yet firm in your convictions, let your light shine, get out of your comfort zones, and don’t ever give up.”Commodore King currently worships at the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church and during the ceremony was given the opportunity to make award presentations to the Master Guides as part of their 100th Anniversary of its Master Guide Program. Also in attendance was Chief Superintendent of Police, Chrislyn Skippings and President of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Pastor Kenny Deveaux.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is proud to support programs geared towards the constructive development of our nation’s youth.(RBDF Photos by: Able Seaman Michael E. Turner II)
