In keeping with the countries’ Global Security Collaborative Framework, the Minister of National Security, Honourable Wayne Munroe, M.P., QC, along with the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King’s strategic intent in strengthening mutual relationships with its regional and international partners, the Honourable Wayne Munroe and Commodore King attended the Change of Command ceremony in Doral, Florida to observe U.S. Army Lieutenant General Laura J. Richardson (first female to command this post) assume duties as commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) from U.S. Navy Adm. Craig S. Faller. They were also accompanied by the United States Embassy’s (The Bahamas) Senior Defence Official/Defence Attaché; CAPT Gregg W. Gellman, MSC, USN; Inspector Brent Dixon Minister of National Security’s Chief Aide; and FCPO Vaughn Ferguson, the RBDF’s Senior Enlisted Leader representative. Also in attendance were the U.S Secretary of Defence; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Major General William Maynadier “Bud” Miley; chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and various Chief of Defence Staff and their Command Warrant Officers; in particular, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, and defence and security partners across the region.The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is one of the nation’s six geographically focused unified commands. The command is responsible for U.S. defence and security cooperation with partner nations in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and U.S. military operations in the region. Matters discussed during the ceremony was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change, cybersecurity threats, drug trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations, which have led to crises or instability within the region. U.S Secretary of Defence; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, emphasized the importance of helping the neighbours of the United States (comprising South and Central America and most of the Caribbean islands) strengthen their capabilities by sharing information and working in unison to combat malign influences.This visit reaffirms The Bahamas’ commitment to continued working relationships with the United States and Caribbean partners to advance security cooperation and preparedness for disaster response in the region.
