Commander Defence Force Commodore Raymond E. King, accompanied by his wife, Retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, and Command Warrant Officer Force Chief Petty Officer Remone Storr, attended the inaugural Anchor Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources, was held at the Baha Mar Convention Center to celebrate and honor “Legends of the Sea.”
The evening brought together distinguished guests, including the Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources; Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; and Hon. Leon Lundy. Among the highlights of the ceremony were key award categories such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Award, Flats Fishermen of the Year, Sports Fisher of the Year, and Commercial Fisher Award, which recognized the invaluable contributions of individuals in sustaining The Bahamas’ maritime heritage.
Minister Campbell underscored the critical importance of the fishing industry to the nation, saying:
“This event is not just a celebration. It is a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated individuals whose hard work and passion sustain our vital maritime heritage. The ocean is more than a source of livelihood for many Bahamians. It is the foundation of our culture, economy, and identity.”
Minister Campbell also acknowledged the fishers of The Bahamas as unsung heroes who play an indispensable role in the fabric of local communities.
As stewards of The Bahamas’ maritime domain, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s marine resources, including its fisheries, which are spread across 100,000 square miles of territorial waters. The RBDF’s commitment to protecting these resources ensures the sustainability of the fishing industry and the preservation of a key pillar of the Bahamian economy.
Under the leadership of Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF remains focused on Maritime Domain Awareness and control. These efforts include the strategic monitoring and enforcement of laws to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while also ensuring the protection of Bahamian waters against poaching and other maritime threats.
The RBDF is committed to safeguarding the livelihoods of countless Bahamians and helps to preserve the maritime heritage celebrated at the Anchor Awards. The Defence Force remains steadfast in its mission to secure the nation’s natural resources for current and future generations.
(RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Jae’Shawn Taylor)
