Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, paid final respects to the Late Retired Commodore Leon Smith during a Full Military Funeral Service on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Commodore Smith was the first Bahamian Officer appointed as Commander of the Defence Force and served as Commodore from 1983 to 1997. In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillip Davis expressed condolences on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas. He reminded those in attendance of the valuable contributions made by Commodore Smith to the organization, and noted that his service to the development of the country has “provided a blueprint for laying a firm foundation and erecting solid pillars on which we continue to build and embellish our national culture, character and ethos”. Also bringing remarks was Leader of the Opposition, the Honorable Michael Pintard.Dignitaries and officials in attendance included Deputy Governor General, Her Excellency Cynthia Pratt, the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Wayne Munroe, KC, MP, Government officials, President of The Bahamas Christian Council, Bishop Delton Fernander, Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Former Commodores of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.The service concluded at the Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, where Commodore Smith was laid to rest. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, as they find comfort in the memories of their love one.
