The Conservation Law Enforcement Training hosted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force concluded today at HMBS Coral Harbour Base for members of the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BAHWEN) who received training in advanced investigative techniques. Law enforcement advisors with Wild-Aid, Mike Cenci and George Wilson presented participants with their certificates of completion. The five-day training supported by The Nature Conservency and The Marine Action Partnership, was offered to a cross section of various agencies inclusive of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas National Trust, Bahamas Department of Customs and Department of Forestry. Wild-Aid, a non-government organization supporting anti-poaching efforts in the Bahamas, provided subject matter experts to instruct participants on the use of surveillance technology, trends in wildlife, smuggling and trafficking, strategies to address smuggling and trafficking and investigative interview techniques. The course also provided participants with practical demonstrations on the use of technology, techniques, and the tools to increase both awareness and knowledge of Bahamian conservation laws. Legal guidance was provided by the Bahamas Attorney General Office for officers responsible for investigating fish and wild life violations.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force recognizes its social and corporate responsibility as environmental stewards and remains committed to merging with local and regional partners to combat threats to the sovereignty of the Bahamas as we continue to ‘Guard our Heritage’.
(RBDF photos by Marine Seaman Ricky Sealy)
