The Tribune

EDITOR,The Tribune.

In the year 1975, a period in the life of our country when the fascination and intrigue of travelling abroad and the haunting images of opportunity of success especially in the United States, preoccupied our minds.

The consciousness of many Bahamian students were revived as to the vital importance of a tertiary education. As a result of this awareness, scores of students exercised their options upon completion of high school to pursue a college education preferably in America, rather than enter the employment arena.

The gradually increasing anti-social activies amongst our male population, twenty-three young men decided to enlist in the Royal Bahamas Police College as recruits. They committed themselves to performing a national service for their country.

Amongst these men, including myself was Fredrick Bain, who was assigned the number 116 and we were integrated into B Squad 1975.

This would signal the commencement and establishment of a bond and friendship that would survive forty years, even though in the intervening years we travelled in different directions precipitated by the vicissitudes of life.

As I reflect on the way we were and in memory of Fredrick “Uncle” Bain, I would have to include portions of our squad song composed by recruit constable 249 Josey.

“On the 12th May, 1975 our squad was formed; twenty-three young men so bold to take a stand in our land. For united we stand, divided we fall and if our backs should ever be against the wall, we been together you and I”.

Rest on “Uncle” and thanks for the memories.

FRANKLY JOSEY

Nassau,

April, 2016.