Bahamas Defence Force to get upgrades
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| Published on Thursday, June 21, 2007 |
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HMBS CORAL HARBOUR, Bahamas (BIS): Minister of National Security, 'Tommy' Turnquest told 30 new Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines that the Force will be provided with the resources, assets and equipment needed for them to properly do their job over the next several months and in the coming years.
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Minister of National Security 'Tommy' Turnquest congratulates Woman Marine Simone Mackey for winning the Best Female Recruit Award during ‘Passing Out’ Ceremonies held at HMBS Coral
Harbour Base |
The Minister also announced the establishment of Defence Force bases in a number of key areas in The Bahamas which will be “adequately outfitted and upgraded” to help the Force to better fulfill its obligation of guarding the country’s heritage.
He said a Southern Command will be established in Inagua, while a Northern Command will also be established and facilities properly and adequately outfitted.
Turnquest said that over the next 12 months, the Defence Force will “take possession” of 12 new boats and two aircraft, representing the largest increase in vessels in more than 25 years.
“So graduates, you will be given every opportunity to make your contribution; every opportunity to realize your dream of becoming Marine Seamen and Aviators and also refining your skills in the several technical shops on base,” Turnquest said.
“Look to a Defence Force where you will make a difference; where the people of The Bahamas will respect you and hold you in high esteem as you protect our vast seas and territory from smugglers and poachers and as you help them reconstruct their lives in the wake of natural disasters and emergencies,” he added.
He said the upgrade in equipment and the establishment of the bases are just two of a number of plans to upgrade the Force’s capabilities to protect the country’s borders “from international criminals that would undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity and compromise the national security of The Bahamas.”
Turnquest said the RBDF has been allocated a budget of $45,390,256, an increase of $4,703,002, in the recurrent budget as well as $12,941,500 in the capital development budget, an increase of $5,401,500, much of which has been earmarked for the purchase of equipment and vessels and to secure additional manpower for the Force.
The Minister said the government is fully committed to the strategic acquisition of sea-going and air assets to enable the Defence Force to effectively discharge its mandate.
He said funds were already committed in the 2006/2007 budget to acquire two 40ft. Dauntless Craft and two 27ft fast boats. Turnquest said $6.9 million was included in the 2007/2008 capital estimates for the acquisition, refitting and dry-docking of patrol craft, an increase of over $4.9million over last year’s estimates.
Most of these funds, he said, will be used to acquire two 40ft boats, two 60ft short-range patrol boats and a Zodian hurricane inflatable boat.
“Along with the four 40ft boats being donated by the United States Government – the first of which is to be delivered in four months and the second a few months later -- the Defence Force will be able to significantly upgrade its sea patrol capacity and enhance the Force’s maritime law enforcement capabilities,” Turnquest said.
“And the Force’s monitoring and surveillance capabilities from the air will be substantially improved by the purchase of two aircraft -- an AP-68 observer aircraft and an amphibious 208 Caravan,” he said.
Turnquest said $2.16 million has been allocated in the budget to facilitate this “critical” acquisition.
Turnquest told the 23 men and seven women of New Entry 43 and Woman Entry 15 that they were entering the Force at a “critical juncture” in its history.
“Today, you stand here in the midst of your families, friends, loved ones and squad mates tested, proven, fit and proper and now full-fledged members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
“You have a clean slate as you begin your career as Defence Force Marines. It is up to you to keep that slate unblemished, untarnished and full of records of achievement and positive contribution. That is what they expect of you; that is what the Government expects of you; that is what the Bahamian people expect of you,” Turnquest added. |
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