The Royal Bahamas Defence Force celebrated its Annual Thanksgiving Service and Career Transitioning Luncheon Ceremony at HMBS Coral Harbour, Thursday 25 November 2021.The ceremony which aligns itself with the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King’s vision of focusing on talent management and honouring the men and women who served our country, was an opportune time for the organization to show gratitude as well as celebrate and honour eight
transitioning veterans from the Defence Force.The retirees included His Excellency Captain Whitfield Neely (Retired), Commander (Retired) Michael Sweeting, Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Lincoln E. Rolle, Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Demetri Ferguson, Petty Officer (Retired) Peter Russell, Petty Officer (Retired) Terrance Culmer, Petty Officer (Retired) George Blacks, Petty Officer (Retired) Doran Johnson.Minister of National Security, the Honourable Wayne Munroe Q.C., who was in attendance, expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the Force and the retirees and suggested that the gratitude shown to the Defence Force for their service to the country should be accompanied by some form of action. “There’s a saying, ‘Faith without works is dead. Gratitude without action in my judgement is hallow. On this Thanksgiving Day, as I thank you Veterans for the service you’ve given, I thank your families as well. On this Thanksgiving Day, I make a commitment that I will seek to do everything within my power to ensure that my gratitude is met and coupled with action and so does not end up hallow. In my judgement, you all deserve nothing less and on behalf of the Prime Minister and the government of this Bahamas, I would extend this nation’s gratitude to you. It is well deserved and not properly rewarded.”Each of the retired honourees was presented with commemorative plaques and gift bags as small tokens of gratitude for their contributions and sacrifice over the years.Also in attendance were Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, Commodore (Retired) Clifford Scavella, Commodore (Retired) Roderick Bowe, Commodore (Retired) Tellis Bethel.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is thankful for an opportunity to pause and say thanks while “Guarding Our Heritage”.
