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RBDF hosts specialized demonstration for law enforcement agencies
Bahamas Information Services 3/23/2007
HMBS CORAL HARBOUR BASE --- Officials of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force recently hosted law enforcement personnel from four key government agencies and departments to a ”high-powered” demonstration of several new weapons systems at the RBDF’s Firing Range, HMBS Coral Harbour Base.Participants included representatives from Bahamas Customs, Department of Immigration, Internal Security Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and specialized units from Her Majesty’s Prison. Personnel from the RBDF’s elite Special Operations Unit and its Commando Squadron also participated in the demonstration.
The demonstration, which was facilitated by TeamProcure and representatives from DSArms Services, was designed to keep agents abreast of the latest weapons systems on the market. The systems included several variations of the M16 Rifle, which is a favorite of law enforcement agencies and armed forces around the world.
Sub Lieutenant Sonia Miller, Public Relations Officer, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, said the joint operation provided representatives of some of the law enforcement agencies charged with protecting the borders of The Bahamas with an opportunity to “test fire” and learn more about “some of the cutting-edge weaponry that exists.”
Sub Miller said the RBDF remains “committed” to protecting the sovereignty of The Bahamas and that by continuously upgrading its weapons capability will “help to ensure that this Force is able to do so.”
She said an invitation was extended to the other agencies because while the protection of the Bahamian borders is the mandate of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the participating agencies also play a key role in protecting those borders and therefore must be brought up to speed on the latest weapons systems that exist.
“Even though the protection of our borders from drug and human smugglers and illegal immigration and so on is the primary responsibility of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the war on drugs and on illegal immigration, etcetera, involves all of these other agencies and so we need to work in collaboration with them to accomplish the one common goal of protecting those borders at all times,” Sub Miller said.“This demonstration was very significant because over the years, we have been assisting Her Majesty’s Prison, for example, with their weapons handling and training and this will help give them an edge in their day-to-day operations of securing the prison and its perimeter,” Sub Miller added.
Sub Lieutenant Miller said while the Defence Force, because of its status as a military organization, possesses “quite a bit” of firepower in its arsenal, it welcomes any opportunity to test fire and learn more about any additional weapons systems that are on the market.
She said this is particularly true for members of the other forces who must all “remain up to date” in terms of the “latest” armaments available, considering the fact that many of the persons whom they may have to apprehend could be in possession of sophisticated weapons systems themselves.
“Any time you can upgrade your weapons capabilities it is a plus,” Sub Miller said. “Everyone out here today had a great time test firing these new weapons systems, checking them out and learning more about them.
“I think the systems that we tested out here today are practical and can be used in the execution of some of our duties,” Sub Miller added
Inspector Sean Thompson, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Armory, said it “is always an excellent idea” to take advantage of any opportunity to expand your armory as a law enforcement agency.
He said technological advances are occurring “every day” in the advancement of weapons systems that are being used by both law enforcement agencies and criminals “and so you must be abreast as to what types of weapons are on the market and what you need to know insofar as their operations are concerned.”
“We have to stay on the cutting edge of these weapons systems because if you look at today’s society, there are a lot of persons out there who are using advanced weapons and so we have to stay abreast as to what is going on in terms of weapons that we may be using to combat those weapons systems that they may be using,” Inspector Thompson said.
Inspector Thompson said the weapons systems proved to be “very durable” and were “good for our types of operations within The Bahamas.”
Chief Officer Anthony Mortimer, Officer-in-Charge of one of the specialized units at Her Majesty’s Prison, said the weapons systems “handled very, very well.” He said it was his opinion that the weapons systems can “quite ably” assist the unit, and other units operating within the prison, not only in their job functions of securing the prison, but also when performing the even more dangerous task of escorting “high-risk inmates” to and from prison.
“Staying on top of the criminals, from a weapons systems standpoint, is always critical for us, particularly in the high-risk job functions that we must perform on a day-to-day basis,” Chief Mortimer said.
“Transporting high-risk inmates to and from court and from Point A to Point B, in addition to securing the prison, is no easy task. Let us not fool ourselves,” Chief Mortimer continued, “the criminals are in possession of high-powered weaponry themselves and so we must stay on the cutting-edge of weaponry.”
Chief Mortimer’s sentiment was echoed by Principal Officer Philip Bodie, who is assigned to one of the Special Operations Units at Her Majesty’s Prison. P.O. Bodie said he found the weapons systems to be “very effective, efficient and useful.”
One of the things that I like about the systems is that some of them are smaller which I think will be more advantageous to us if we have to enter the confines of the Prison for whatever reason,” P.O. Bodie said.
“There are some other advantages that will impact other areas of our work and so I was quite satisfied with what was demonstrated to me out here today,” P.O. Bodie added.
Thanks for taking part in the 1st Annual TaekwondoBahamas/TEAMProcure Fire Truck Pull.Your participation and fundraising will help support the hosting of the 2010 Taekwondo Championships Games in Nassau. “Pull The Engine” Competition is a pledged fundraising event. Each team member must raise $25.00 in pledges and $25.00 registration fee to reserve their team’s space in the event. With a team of 12, reaching the $600 team goal should be very easy, especially if you use your resources.
To raise your six hundred dollars, each team member must raise just $25.00 in pledges along with your $25 registration fee and you are already there. The Fire Engine Pull is a great way to build camaraderie and team spirit. Participation can increase visibility and best of all it’s a fun event, drawing people together to participate in a healthy activity while supporting a positive endeavor. Your first task as Team Captain is to recruit and register your team. Please ensure you submit the full registration amount ($300.00) along with waiver.
It is also important to have your team wear appropriate footwear and bring gloves. We encourage you to personalize your efforts as we have a Showmanship Award.You and your team can reach your goal VERY easily. Pledge yourself the first $25 to demonstrate your commitment to your donors. Get your colleagues, friends and family members to support your team by donating $5.00 each. There is also a prize for the most money raised. Be the strongest! Be the one with the greatest showmanship! Be the one that raises the most money! Be THE TEAM WITH ALL THE BRAGGING RIGHTS! Be sure to encourage all your sponsors to come out and cheer your team on.
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