An historical milestone in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was observed as for the first time, the Officers and Marines participated in a Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on Friday past at the Defence Force’s Coral Harbour Base.
As the force celebrates 40 years under the theme “Beyond the Horizon, into the Future,” a large crowd was in attendance to view an array of over 30 arts and paintings. These were on display for persons wishing to purchase them, which were carefully done by the men and women of the force, as well as by RBDF Veterans, Rangers, persons within the community and also from the students at The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD). Part proceeds from the event, which is one of several that is planned in observance of the organization’s anniversary celebrations, will benefit The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled.
In attendance were the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Marvin Dames and the Acting Commander Defence Force, Captain Raymond King. In his brief remarks, Minister Dames commended Captain King along with his Executive Team and the Officers and Marines for the awesome showing.
“What you are doing here this evening speaks volumes. And it certainly sets the tone for what all law enforcement agencies ought to be doing,” said Minister Dames. You and your executive team and members of the planning committee ought to feel proud of what you have accomplished here today. I hope that this is the beginning of what is to come.”
The Acting Commander Defence Force also commended Lieutenant Floyd Moxey, Chairperson of the event along with his committee team members for making the night a success. He noted that along with performing its normal duties of protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas, the organization is also about giving back to the community.
: Petty Officer Mary Sweeting and Leading Woman Marine Stacey Ferguson viewing an art piece. 
Leading Woman Marine Malisha Richardson performing a musical selection at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
Lieutenant Natasha Woods and Chief Petty Officer Kingsley Smith performing the ceremonial cutting of the 40th Anniversary cake at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
Chief Petty Officer Maxwell Lloyd, Lieutenant Latoya Nottage and Petty Officer Mark Armbrister at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
Acting Captain Coral Harbour, Commander Michael Simmons along with Officers and Marines at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
Petty Officers Charles Edgecombe, Mary Sweeting and Antoine Adams, and Lieutenant Commander Natasha Miller at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
RBDF personnel and guests at the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base. 
The Acting Commander Defence Force, Captain Raymond King and Marine Seaman Kennedy Francis viewing an art piece. 
The Minister of National Security, the Honorable Marvin Dames and Mrs. Dames and their daughter Kai; the Acting Commander Defence Force, Captain Raymond King and Mrs. King. 
The Minister of National Security, the Honorable Marvin Dames and Leading Mechanic Abrian Rankine viewing an art piece. 
A breathtaking view of the RBDF Cocktail Reception and Silent Art Auction on March 13 at the Defence Force Base.
