On Tuesday 02 June 2026, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force welcomed H.E. Mrs. Smita Rossetti, the British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dack, United Kingdom Defence Attaché, on board HMBS Coral Harbour during an official visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between The Bahamas and the United Kingdom.
H.E. Mrs. Smita Rossetti took up the appointment of British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in August 2025. The High Commissioner is the UK government’s representative in a Commonwealth nation, responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission and its Deputy High Commissions and/or Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations and consular services.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dack, United Kingdom Defence Attaché, who is based in Jamaica serves as the primary liaison between the UK Armed Forces and Caribbean Forces, advising on border security and regional disaster response efforts. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), following prior military distinctions including an MBE for operations in Iraq.
Commander Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey and H.E. Mrs. Smita Rossetti discussed areas to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance security cooperation, and advance shared regional interests.
The delegation was led on a comprehensive tour of HMBS Coral Harbour by Captain Michael Hanna, Captain Coral Harbour who shared an overview of the Defence Force’s operational capabilities, and maritime and defence initiatives. They also visited HMBS Nassau, where they were briefed on the vessel’s operational role and capabilities, by the Commanding Officer, Commander Sidney Whyms. The delegation also took a short trip aboard an RBDF Safeboat that was Coxswained by Leading Seaman Warren Godet.
H.E. Mrs. Smita Rossetti described the visit as excellent and hugely valuable to spend time at the Base meeting officers from across the Defence Force, many of whom spoke proudly of their time at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, a connection of which we are equally proud.
The visit reinforces the strong partnership between The Bahamas and the United Kingdom, highlighting the shared commitment to regional security, maritime cooperation, and professional military engagements.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, under Commodore Moxey’s leadership, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such we welcome the opportunity to engage with the British High Commissioner and the United Kingdom Defence Attaché, reaffirming our commitment to fostering strong partnerships that support national security, regional and international cooperation, and shared interests.
