Twenty-four (24) members across three law enforcement agencies, namely the RBDF, BDOCS and Department of Immigration completed an intense twelve (12) week Physical Training Instructor course on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, which was hosted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Of the 24 participants, 14 Defence Force Marines along with 2 BDOCS Officers achieved the title of Physical Training Instructor (Second Class), while the others gained the knowledge, certifications, and skills necessary to function in a similar capacity. The rigorous training, heavily based in theory and practice, developed not only the bodies of participants, but also their minds, as it covered a broad range of topics including: Warm-Up Techniques, Leadership, Nutrition, Anatomy, Sports & Injury Prevention, Fitness Concepts, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Referee Training, International Football Federation (FIFA) Referee Training, Archery Coaching and Swedish Physical Training (Table 1). Physical Training in the RBDF is currently overseen by the Physical Training Officer (PTO), Lieutenant Commander Delvonne Duncombe and the Lead Instructor for the course was Force Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) Ramone Storr. Other instructors included FCPO James Darling, Chief Petty Officer Marguerite Taylor, Petty Officer Vandyke Adderley, Petty Officer Denise Oliver, Petty Officer Nivado Ferguson, Petty Officer Devon Sands, and Leading Seaman Otis Ferguson. In attendance at the Course Graduation, was the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, Heads of Department of Immigration and Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, along with huge support from colleagues, family members and friends who enjoyed an entertaining display by the participants at the conclusion of the ceremony. Also in attendance of note was Retired Petty Officer Raymond “Brave” Sawyer, who after training with the Royal Marines in the United Kingdom, became the very first Physical Training Instructor in the RBDF and introduced the Swedish Physical Training system into our military. He also made the official presentation of awards for the top performer from the Defence Force, which was Able Seaman Troy Seymour and the top performer among the other uniformed agencies, which was Corrections Officer Thomas Mackey (BDOCS). Congratulations to them both as well as to the other participants. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is grateful for opportunities to cross train alongside the other uniformed branches of government. Commander Defence Force, Commodore King is committed to investing in service-members and building a force which is fit to fight. Therefore, force fitness, force readiness, health and wellness remain Command Priorities as the Defence Force Guards Our Heritage. (RBDF Photos by Able Seaman Michael E. Turner II & Marine Seaman Rickey Sealey)
