Friends, today is a proud day as we recognize 97 graduates of A-Squad 2026 who have made a commitment to serve their country and stand ready to enter a life of national service.
This is no small responsibility.
Our country is small but our borders are far reaching, spreading across hundreds of miles of water, bringing to us a great responsibility of protecting our sovereignty.
The work that you are entering then is an important part of the wider work of national development.
As a nation, we must build strong institutions but they can only be built by strong citizens who understand their responsibilities and who are prepared to carry them out.
Graduates, your training has prepared you to begin this work. But your development as officers, and as young people in public life, will continue long after today.
Learn from your colleagues.
And learn from the decisions that you will make while you are in the field.
The uniform you wear represents the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I charge you to wear it with pride but never forget the duty that comes with it.
Uphold our laws, but administer them fairly. Treat people with the dignity that they deserve, even when the circumstances before you seem difficult.
That is the Bahamian way, and it is what every Bahamian expects of you.
To the Minister of Immigration, your vision and leadership continues to build a modern immigration system. I am confident that the department is in good and capable hands.
To the training officers, who have devoted long hours molding discipline and dedication into these recruits, I extend, on behalf of the entire country, our deepest gratitude. Because of your efforts, rigor, professionalism, and perseverance are on full display.
And to the families, your sacrifices, your encouragement, your prayers, your faith in these young men and women, without you, this day could not have happened. The success of these officers is also your success.
Graduates, as you begin this next chapter, remember that the success of our country depends on the contribution of its people. Each of us has a role to play. Yours is to help safeguard the integrity of our borders and serve the Bahamian people.
I am confident that you will approach this duty with the seriousness it deserves.
Congratulations to A-Squad 2026.
You have earned this moment. Now, go forward with humility and a firm commitment to the country we all love.
May Almighty God bless you all and May He continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.