The Tribune

Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling toured HMBS Coral Harbour on Friday.

The force said Dame Marguerite’s visit was particularly special as her husband, the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, is credited as being its architect.

He visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Defence Force and the 30th anniversary since women were allowed entry.

Commodore Roderick Bowe said that Friday’s visit brought the force “full circle”.

“It is fitting that today’s Divisions were in your honour, Excellency, as Sir Lynden was the architect of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and now you are visiting us as Governor-General, and the ceremonial Commander-in-Chief of our Force.

“Today, we are able to provide you with an example of what Sir Lynden’s dream for this Force has materialised into, and we thank you and applaud you for your visit.”

Dame Marguerite said she was delighted to observe that “so many women” are playing vital roles.

“I am informed that women comprise about 16 per cent of the force and have been fully integrated into all aspects of the organisation. Women are playing their full roles alongside the men as senior officers, military divers, physical training instructors, engineers, cooks, airframe and power plant mechanics, infantry personnel, coxswains, emergency medical technicians, as well as pilots.

“In all of these areas you have raised the standards and provided the example for all Bahamian women by demonstrating the capacity to do anything and do it well. Your presence and your service are both noteworthy and commendable and I encourage you to serve faithfully alongside the men who will also benefit from your levels of good service,” Dame Marguerite added.

Dame Marguerite said the challenges which face The Bahamas including poaching, illegal migration, human trafficking, narcotics and firearms trafficking.