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Coral Harbour Base, 02 JUL ‘19 (RBDF): A total of 54 students became full-fledged Rangers on the island of Eleuthera after they were recently inducted into the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) Rangers Program.

Held on the school grounds of the North Eleuthera High School, Lower Bogue, relatives and friends assembled to witness the induction of the young students who successfully completed the training. The students represented 3 high schools on the island, namely; North Eleuthera High School, Harbour Island All-Age School and Samuel Guy Pinder All-Age School, Spanish Wells.

In attendance at the ceremony was the Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, the Honorable Howard Mackey, as well as the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.

Also in attendance were Chief Councilor Desmond Johnson, North Eleuthera District; Terrance Davis, Chief Councilor Harbour Island; Robert Roberts, Chief Councilor Spanish Wells; and other Government officials.

Bringing keynote remarks was Commodore Bethel, who congratulated and commended the graduates on behalf of the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames, and himself for successfully completing 8 months of vigorous training in preparation for this day.

According to Commodore Bethel, the RBDF Rangers has been in existence since 1995 and has expanded to include some 1500 members, with over 24 schools in new providence and 29 schools in 8 family islands. The Rangers program was introduced to the island of Eleuthera last year, and the students are taking full advantage of the opportunities.

“We partner with government, non-government and private sector agencies such as BAMSI, GGYA, and the Bahamas National Trust to ensure maximum benefits and certifications for our Rangers,” said Commodore Bethel. “We have over 30 rangers who will be travelling this month to hocking college in July in Ohio to engage in certification programs such as renewable energy, welding and firefighting and 4 rangers from Eleuthera will be a part of this program. Right now

46 rangers are participating in the rangers band camp in New Providence, of which 3 Rangers from Eleuthera are participating in this camp. ”

Special Awards were presented to a number of students. These awards included the overall Minister of National Security Award, which went to Astralia Carey from Harbour Island All-Age School; the Commander Defence Force Awards were presented to Michaella Lockhart and Mahalia Lockhart of North Eleuthera High School and Madison Wilson of Harbour Island All-Age School; and the Rangers Director Award was presented to Don Johnson of North Eleuthera High School.

(Photos By: Ranger Cadet Mona Toussaint)

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department (242-376-7086) or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our YouTube Channel)

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