Defence Headquarters, 14 June. ‘23 (RBDF): The Deputy Commander of the Defence Force recently graced the graduation ceremony of ninety-two (92) Ranger Cadets hailing from various islands, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, North, Central, and South Eleuthera, as well as North, Central, and South Andros. These remarkable individuals were honored for their successful completion of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Leadership Development and Skills Courses on July 8, 2023. The ceremony took place at the Program Sure Campus, located on Gladstone Road. Under the leadership of Commodore Raymond King, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering national-level youth programs that focus on intervention and development.
The Leadership Academy comprised of two phases that ran for a duration of three weeks. Forty-nine (49) individuals completed the Leadership Development Courses (LDCs), which was inclusive of Fitness, Parade Drill, Navigation, Ceremonial, Organization, Ship Husbandry, Fire Fighting, Power of Command, Leadership, Communication, Survival, Navigation Rules of the Road and First Aid.
Forty-three (43) participants completed the Skills Development Courses that enable them to develop skills to prepare them for entrepreneurship and the job market. The curriculum included Performing Arts and Band Course, PADI Open Water Dive Course, Bread and Pastry Course, Auto Mechanics, Boxing, Judo, Kung Fu, Spanish, and Creole.
Special Awards were presented to Outstanding Male, Officer Cadet Mark Campbell; Outstanding Female, Officer Cadet Vanessa Fleurinord; Most Improved, Officer Cadet Deshantae Rolle, Outstanding Physical Fitness Male, Officer Cadet Dorvano Johnson; Outstanding Physical Fitness Female, Kanaysha Reckley; Academic Achievement Award, Officer Cadet Vanessa Fleurinord and the Power of Command Award, Officer Cadet Wayne Kelly.
Minister of National Security, the Honorable Wayne Munroe K.C applauded the youths on their development, discipline and determination by investing their time to become well-developed youths of the nation as they gain various skills from the program. He also thanked the parents for their commitment to the program and their children’s achievements.
Presenting special awards and certificates to the Cadets for their outstanding performance and achievements were the Minister of National Security, The Honorable Wayne Munroe K.C accompanied by the Minister of Education, The Honorable Glenys Hanna- Martin, Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedell Pinder and Youth Development Program Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Delvonne Duncombe.
(By: AWM Raquel Miller/RBDF Photos by AWM Raquel Miller)
