The Royal Bahamas Defence Force recently held its 42nd Flamingo Ceremony in memory of the four (4) fallen Marines who through bravery paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.In keeping with the Commander Defence Force’s Decentralization Strategy, on the 10th May at HMBS Matthew Town, Inagua and HMBS Gunn Point, Ragged Island a wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate the event, pay respects, and show gratitude to not just those who tragically lost their lives, but also to those who survived. At HMBS Matthew Town, Pastor Julian Laing (Zion Baptist Church), delivered the Homily and Prayer. He, along with Mr. Marlon Leary (Island Administrator), Lieutenant Commander Byron Brown – Base Executive Officer SOUTHERN COMMAND and Superintendent Joel Farquharson – RBPF Officer-In-Charge Inagua District placed a wreath at the Independence Park. Also in attendance were Senior Immigration Officer Elmore Pratt, Senior Customs Officer Floyd Lewis, Lieutenant Cody Harris (US Coast Guard), Principal Mrs. Nishgo Bain along with students and Staff from the Inagua All Age School, and residences of the Community.Lieutenant Commander Byron Brown reminded the Deployment Team of the significant role they play in the fulfilment of Commander Defence Force’s Decentralization Strategy as we Guard our Heritage. Subsequently, Rev. Julian Laing, Lieutenant Commander Byron Brown and Superintendent Farquharson boarded the Safe-Boat and placed a wreath over the side in memory of our fallen heroes. The HMBS Matthew Town Deployment Team is currently led by Force Chief Petty Officer Bursil Daxon and Chief Petty Officer Wayde Watson is the Safe-Boat Coxswain.At HMBS Gunn Point, Force Chief Petty Officer Terrance Arnett- Warrant Officer SOUTHERN COMMAND reminded the Deployment Team that Ragged Island was where the surviving crew of HMBS Flamingo first took refuge after the fatal incident on 10 May 1980. Also in attendance were Mr Alfred Francis (Chief Counselor), Mr & Mrs Myron Lockhart Bain (Counsel Member and Assistant Administrator, respectively), Mr Christopher Wallace (Counsel Member), Mr & Mrs Raphael Wallace and and Mr. Marvin Wilson.Subsequently, Force Chief Petty Officer Terrance Arnett, the Chief Counselor along with several Counsel members boarded the Safe-Boat and placed a wreath over the side in memory of our fallen heroes. The HMBS Gunn Point Deployment Team is currently led by Petty Officer Angelo Coakley and Chief Petty Officer Dan Rolle is the Safe-Boat Coxswain.May the memories of those who sacrificed for our country never fade.The SOUTHERN COMMAND’s Mission: To ensure continuity of administration, operations and logistical support for all RBDF missions originating, transitioning through or around the southern Bahamas.
