Newly appointed Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, Brigadier General Christopher P. Callahan, recently paid a courtesy call on Acting Commander Defence Force, Captain Tellis Bethel, at Coral Harbour Base. Brigadier General Callahan’s inaugural visit was also in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program between The Bahamas and Rhode Island as represented by the two military organizations.
The Program was introduced by the United States Department of Defense and is administered by the United States National Guard. Under the Agreement each State pairs itself with an adopted country to ‘enhance military capabilities, improve interoperability and enhance the principles of responsible governance’ among partner countries. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has benefited significantly as a result of the program with a series of military training, as well as the construction of a two-story barracks provided by the Rhode Island National Guard.
During the visit, Captain Bethel and Brigadier General Callahan discussed matters of mutual interest and exchanged pleasantries. The courtesy call was followed by a reception in commemoration of the State Partnership Program. The reception included the cutting of an anniversary cake and was attended by the United States Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires, Ms. Lisa Johnson, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Carl Smith, and senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
The Royal Bahamas Defence remains committed to “Guarding Our Heritage” and the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
