Coral Harbour Base, New Providence Twenty (20) members of the Haitian National Police – Coast Guard successfully completed an intensive two-week capacity-building program from the 17 November 2025 through 1 December 2025, facilitated by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). Senior Commander William Sturrup, Commanding Officer of the Sea Training Department coordinated the training evolution in partnership with the Harbour Patrol Unit’s Engineering Section. The Training marked the inaugural iteration of a new regional collaborative initiative supported by international partners, including Canada and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The comprehensive program covered an expanded range of seamanship, navigation, engineering competencies, bends & hitches, and boat-handling. Training modules also included aids to navigation, the use and deployment of survival flares, search and rescue (SAR) techniques, and onboard emergency procedures. The engineering component emphasized advanced mechanical diagnostics, fuel-system troubleshooting, outboard ignition and electrical-circuit analysis, gearcase inspection, propulsion-system optimization, and the application of digital diagnostic tools. Participants were trained in modern remote-support practices enabling mechanics from both nations to collaborate via real-time communication technologies. RBDF engineers also advised on several persistent technical issues affecting the Haitian National Police – Coast Guard vessels.
Throughout the program, the Haitian delegation was accommodated aboard HMBS Coral Harbour, to support team-building and cultural exchange activities: attending a Bahamian concert, worshiping at Victory Chapel Church of the Nazarene—a Haitian congregation in New Providence, and a fellowship event hosted by the Sea Training Staff.
The programme has been hailed as a significant milestone in strengthening regional security cooperation, enhancing maritime readiness, and reinforcing the longstanding partnership between The Bahamas and Haiti, by Mr Joshua Arterta Gonzalez, programme officer for the Caribbean UNODC.
Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Carlon Bethell O.D., praised the initiative as a “major success,” commending instructors for their professionalism and adaptability. Despite language challenges, RBDF trainers worked closely with UNODC consultants Navi Ramgolam and Kenny Sultan, who provided Creole translation to ensure all critical information was accurately conveyed.
Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas, Ambassador Dern Jovas Bonhomme, expressed gratitude on behalf of his government, thanking the RBDF and the people of The Bahamas for their commitment to strengthening Haiti’s maritime security capacity. He applauded the participating officers for demonstrating courage, hope, and a willingness to expand cooperation between the two nations as Haiti continues its efforts to confront gang violence and restore national stability.
Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe, KC, MP reaffirmed The Bahamas’ dedication to supporting Haiti in its fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime. “A safer Haiti creates a safer Bahamas and a safer region for all,” he stated.
The RBDF, under the leadership of Commodore Floyd Moxey, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we remain committed to capacity-building, operational cooperation, and sustained regional engagements.
Photos By: Able Seaman Macmillan Estilien
