The Tribune

FREEPORT – Hutchison Port Holdings bought band instruments for the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force marching bands.

The contribution was made to representatives of both law enforcement organisations on Tuesday.

Godfrey Smith, CEO, said the Hutchison group of companies considers it an honour to contribute to the ongoing work of the marching bands.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Band and more recently the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) bands have become fixtures at Hutchison’s events, and have captivated company officials and audiences.

Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) group of companies is one of the largest employers in Grand Bahama, operators of the Freeport Container Port, Freeport Harbour Company, and the Grand Bahama Airport Company.

The company commended both branches of law enforcement for contributing their time and talents to functions as ambassadors for the Bahamas through their frequent performances in Grand Bahama.

Commandant F. C. Halkett formed the RBPF Band in 1893.

Mr Smith said: “The officers from that time forward mesmerised the public and overseas guests with dazzling performances at official events, concerts and other special functions. Costs were defrayed in the early days by what was known as the Reward Fund so that no additional burden was place on the Force or the public.”

Mr Smith said the RBPF Band was one of the few symbols that peopel from around the world had come to associate with the Bahamas.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, he said, had also emerged as a crowd pleaser at major events.

“Both the police and the defense forces have formed wildly successful pop bands; nevertheless their marching bands remain the standard bearers for their branches and ultimately the country.

“Hutchison officials are pleased to have cultivated a long-term relationship with these institutions and pledge its long-term support of their efforts to share the vibrancy of Bahamian culture with Bahamians and the world,” said Mr Smith.