NASSAU BAHAMAS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENING NOW GOVERNOR GENERAL SIR ARTHUR FOULKES COMMISSIONED 17 ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE OFFICERS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON THE 26TH JULY, 2013. By Kathryn Campbell Bahamas Information Services Nassau, The Bahamas – Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes commissioned 17 Officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and called on them to exercise greater levels of leadership, integrity, discipline and professionalism in their duties. “You are called on to exceed our expectations and provide superior service to your country, communities and organisation as indicated in your Officers Creed,” said Sir Arthur. The officers received commissions (instruments of authority) and swords during a special ceremony in the ballroom of Government House on July 25. Among those witnessing the event was the Minister of National Security the Hon. Bernard Nottage, Permanent Secretary Carl Smith, Commodore Rodrick Bowe, senior Government officials, family and well-wishers. The Governor-General cited the Defence Force Officers Creed adopted from the Force’s 2011-2015 Strategic Plan which he said highlights and identifies both the standards and expectations for officers who have been granted the privilege to command and exercise authority in the RBDF. In his remarks, Sir Arthur noted Captain James Cook and British admiral David Beatty, two renowned figures in the history of the Royal Navy known for their contributions to the naval service. “Their contributions have been written and their services immortalised,” said Sir Arthur. “We have this same expectation for Officers of the RBDF not only to defend the territorial sovereignty of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, but also to make a substantial difference within the service, in our communities and in our nation.” The Governor-General expressed pleasure in saying that the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has already been “ennobled” and “burnished” by officers and marines who demonstrated great courage and professionalism in times of severe testing. He listed the responsibilities of the Force, the country’s only military arm of the Bahamas Government and told the Officers that they are being empowered to ensure that the nation’s security, peace and prosperity are protected and preserved. The recipients reflect a spirit of excellence and inspiration that is worthy of the Bahamian people and commended them for their achievements said Sir Arthur. Among the trailblazers and pacesetters receiving commissions were Lt. Commander Gaye Bykoski, noted as the first senior female officer in the history of the RBDF, Lt. Commander Andrew Farrington, the first enlisted to be trained as a Midshipman and to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College, the first male reservist Officer and the originator of the Force’s Information Technology Section. Lt. Marsha Chriswell is the first female military pilot in the region, the first female reservist Officer and the first female to receive the prestigious Best Female Recruit award. Sub. Lt. Elizabeth Simms is noted as the first female Officer to be trained at the United States Coast Guard Academy Officer Candidate School. To date more than 150 Officers have received commissions. According to the Defence Force Act of 1979, Officers receive their authority to command units within the Defence Force directly from the Governor General in the form of a commission. The Governor General may grant the commission for either an indefinite period or for a specified time. An Officer in the RBDF refers to personnel at the rank of Midshipman or above who have overall responsibility for leadership and management of the Force.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 23:22:12 +0000
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