After spending a total of twenty-three weeks of New Entry Training at HMBS CORAL HARBOUR, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force welcomed 56 of the newest Marines into the organization during a Passing out Parade ceremony on October 16, 2020.
In the first ever graduation ceremony without family members in attendance, the young men and women of New Entry 57 and Woman Entry 26 displayed spectacular performances of drills that included: precision military foot drills, weapons drills and a physical fitness display. The New Entry training was initially intended to be a 12-week programme, but due to the complications of the COVID pandemic, adjustments were made to the training curriculum.
In attendance at the ceremony were the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Marvin Dames; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Marco Rolle; and representatives from the Immigration Department, the Bahamas Department of Correction Services, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Bahamas Customs Department.
Minister Dames carried out an inspection of the parade, accompanied by the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King. In delivering the keynote address under the theme, “One Mind, Many Weapons”, the Honorable Minister reminded the recruits that the Defence Force is not a 9-5 job.
“This calls for those who are willing to commit to a career of sacrifice.,” said Minister Dames. “Our Government and the people of The Bahamas are depending on, and expecting you to perform your roles with due diligence and pride by serving our nation; a cause greater than yourselves”.
In congratulating the new recruits, RBDF Training Officer Lieutenant Commander Origin Deleveaux thanked his training staff for their great display of hard work and professionalism. He challenged this latest squad to: “Continue to change, remember all that the training staff has taught you and continue to build your career on the Defence Force’s core value system. All things are possible with God on your side”.
Minister Dames presented the recruits with numerous awards during the ceremony. Receiving the award for Best Female Recruit was Abaco native Gardel Parker, and the award for Best Male Recruit went to Komali Boateng. The recruit training curriculum covered a diverse selection of training modules, inclusive of professional disciplines such as Navigation, Seamanship, Weapons Handling, Defence Act and Regulations, Firefighting and Communications.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force congratulates this latest squad, and recognizes that the future of our country lies in the hands of our nation’s youth. The organization remains willing and committed to instilling positive values and guidance for our next generation of leaders.