In accordance with the strategic intent of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, and in conjunction with the Royal Navy’s Maritime Warfare School, nearly forty (40) local and regional participants completed a one-week training course on Exclusive Economic Zone Protection.The course commenced with an opening ceremony on Monday, June 25th, 2022 where the Minister of National Security, the Honourable Wayne Munroe Q.C delivered the keynote address. In his remarks, he suggested that the participants remember the importance of three (3) things, using the acronym K.F.C. a) knowledge sharing b) forming friendships c) and cooperation/collaboration. He noted that when these are embraced, stronger relationships can be formed and from them, the ability to work together to address common issues.British High Commissioner, Sarah Dickson, who also attended also brought remarks and encouraged all involved to appreciate the opportunity before them and to create meaningful memories from the experience.Following the opening ceremony, was a reception where the participants were welcomed into the RBDF Officer’s Wardroom, where they were able to socialize, meet the other participants and forge lasting friendships leading into the course. The course was ultimately geared towards working together to provide better regional security and safety throughout the region. It also welcomed representation from local agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Department of Marine Resources, Department of Immigration, Bahamas Customs, Port Department, and the Department of Environment. In addition to the local participants, there were also overseas participants (primarily military and coast guard organizations) from ten (10) countries including Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, England, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, St. Kitts & Nevis, and the United Kingdom.With nearly forty (40) participants, each day of the training was dedicated to a unique aspect of the Maritime arena. Participants explored subjects such as Legislation, the International Maritime Organization, International Ship & Port Facilities Security Code, Maritime Threats, Fisheries, Fisheries Protection, Search & Rescue, Global Maritime Distress & Safety System, Maritime & Coast Guard Agencies, Maritime Pollution, and Maritime Pollution Response.Captain Shawn Adderley, who delivered brief remarks during the closing ceremony expressed his congratulations to the participants on their accomplishment and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to address common maritime threats.Also in attendance was British Defence Attache to the Caribbean, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Wesley and other heads of various local agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and Bahamas Customs.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force values its regional partners as they work together for regional security.
