New Prime Minister’s Award for Community Service introduced as programme surpasses 330 graduates
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Today, Prime Minister Philip Davis, joined by the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security, celebrated the graduation of 68 cadets from the 5th Cohort of the National Youth Guard (NYG). With this milestone, 335 young Bahamians have now completed the programme – strengthening the nation’s capacity for national service, disaster response, and youth leadership.
Over the past several months, participants completed rigorous training in disaster readiness, technical skills, leadership development, and the internationally recognized Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
This cohort includes cadets from five islands and features the first-ever graduates from San Salvador and Acklins.
New Prime Minister’s Award for Community Service Introduced
In a special moment during the ceremony, the Prime Minister’s Award for Community Service was introduced in honour of extraordinary acts of service performed by cadets during national emergencies.
The inaugural recipients – Cadet Jacquel Johnson and Cadet Hurez Sands from the Cohort 5 graduating class – were recognized for their selfless actions while supporting evacuees from Hurricane Melissa at the New Providence Community Centre shelter in October.
Petty Officer Ray Robinson, who supervised the Youth Guards on duty during the shelter’s engagement, recalled that an elderly evacuee from Inagua arrived late at night in distress – unable to walk and without any family present. Before Social Service personnel arrived, Cadets Johnson and Sands stepped in without hesitation. They cleaned, bathed, clothed, and comforted the lady, taking constant care of her throughout the night and serving as her primary caregivers for the duration of her stay at the shelter.
“This selfless act is the embodiment of what the National Youth Guard stands for,” said Petty Officer Robinson. “These young women went far beyond their duties. Their compassion made an enormous difference during a frightening moment for someone in need.”
Prime Minister Davis: This is The Bahamas We Are Building, Together.
Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, delivered the keynote address, praising the cadets for their dedication, discipline, and community spirit.
“You are becoming the leaders your generation will look to, the leaders our country needs in hard times, the calm in the storm,” the Prime Minister noted. “And I am so grateful that you answered the call to serve, because we can’t build a better Bahamas without your strength.”
Minister Munroe: Leaders in the Making
Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security, underscored the growth and impact of the programme, which operates under his ministry and has now trained more than 330 Youth Guards since its launch in 2023:
“Cohort 5 represents the very best of what this programme was designed to achieve,” said Minister Munroe.
“These young men and women have shown discipline in training, compassion in crisis, and maturity beyond their years. Whether they go on to join our uniformed branches, pursue technical trades, or serve in their communities, they are already leaders in the making.”
National Youth Guard: Building Skills. Building Character. Building Readiness
Throughout their training, each NYG cohort has completed Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification; technical and vocational training in welding, electrical, plumbing and officer procedures at BTVI; and leadership readiness and work readiness through internship partners.
The programme continues to yield strong outcomes, with Youth Guards serving alongside the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Disaster Risk Management Authority, cruise line partners, and private-sector partners.
Prime Minister Davis closed by thanking the instructors, families, RBDF partners, and programme coordinators, including Captain Sonia Miller, for shaping the next generation of disciplined, service-ready Bahamians.