As Tropical Storm Eta churns in the straits of Florida with a chance of possible strengthening, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to ensuring a state of readiness.
With the activation of hurricane shelters, RBDF Hurricane Shelter Support Team members were on call to manage and secure Hurricane Shelters in New Providence. In providing shelter managers, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is responsible to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services. Currently, four shelters are in operation in New Providence for persons needing assistance.
The teams of Defence Force members are supervised by Warrant Officer Raymond Sands, who currently serves as the RBDF’s Hurricane Shelter Senior Manager. Each season a Shelter Senior Manager is appointed by the Commander. Shelters in New Providence include the Remnant Tabernacle of Praise Church, Hillview Seven-Day Adventist Church, New Providence Community Church Center and Epworth Hall (Ebenezer Methodist Church).
Led by Commander Granville Adderley, an Emergency Operations Center was also set up at the Defence Force Headquarters, where the Marines are responsible for the charting and tracking of the storm as well as keeping various state boards up to date.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas during this hurricane season.
