The Tribune

SEVENTEEN Officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were presented with their Commissions on Thursday morning from Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, during a Commissioning ceremony in the Government House Ball Room.

“As commissioned officers, you are called to greater levels of leadership, integrity, discipline and professionalism”, said Sir Arthur.

“Additionally, you are called to exceed our expectations and provide superior service to your country, communities and organisation as indicated in your officer’s creed.”

In receiving their instrument of authority, the Governor General reminded the officers that they are now empowered to ensure that this nation’s security, peace and prosperity are protected and preserved.

“You must bear in mind that competence goes hand-in-hand with character if you are to achieve sustainable success,” he said.

Among the recipients were Lieutenant Commander Gaye Bykowski, the first woman senior officer, who with Lieutenant commander Cheryl Bethel were the first women officers on the Defence Force; Lieutenant Commander Andrew Farrington, the first Enlisted to be trained as a Midshipman and to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College and the first male reservist Officer and the officer responsible for the implementation of the RBDF Information Technology section.

Also noted were Lieutenant Marsha Chriswell, the first military woman pilot in this region, the first woman reservist officer and the first woman to receive the prestigious Best Female Recruit award, and Sub Lieutenant Elizabeth Simms, the first woman officer to be trained at the United States Coast Guard Academy Officer Candidate School.

The Commander-in-Chief concluded his remarks by personally expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the daily service rendered by the men and women of the Defence Force in providing first rate security and for assisting with the maintenance of dignity befitting a national state house.

He then thanked Commander Defence Force, Commodore Roderick Bowe and his Officers “for their prompt and unfailing response when they are called to render additional service”.