Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
Today is another proud day.
Sixty-eight young Bahamians, representing five islands across our archipelago. Each of you stepping forward to learn, to train, to serve.
Upon your graduation today, our country’s National Youth Guard is now 335 strong.
Five separate cohorts, all ready to serve in times of crisis.
I had an opportunity to speak at length with some of you yesterday, and it was a privilege to hear your stories, your hopes and dreams, and your commitment to making the most of what you have learned.
I want you to know this:
I am so inspired by you.
And I am so grateful that you answered the call to serve – because we can’t build a better Bahamas without your strength.
I know a little something about what it’s like to be underestimated. So let me tell you – I don’t underestimate what you are capable of, and neither should anyone else.
The barriers many of you have faced, and continue to face, are real – but you have shown us that your capacity to overcome those barriers is also real.
You have uncovered new strengths, you have shown initiative, and you have seen for yourselves your ability to adapt to new responsibilities.
From early morning physical training and marching drills, to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and CERT exercises and daily lessons in the classroom and on the ground – you worked so hard to reach this moment.
Most importantly, you learned to depend on each other. You learned how much stronger we are when we stand together.
We know that storms are intensifying – becoming more destructive. You now know that when the next powerful storm comes our way, it is unity, training, and readiness that will make all the difference.
Cohort Five, I have no doubt that you will benefit from the training you’ve completed for many years to come.
You are becoming the leaders your generation will look to, the leaders our country needs in hard times – the calm in the storm.
I have every confidence you will live up to these high expectations, because you have already distinguished yourselves in remarkable ways.
You are the first active Youth Guard cohort to mobilise during training in order to support our nation in real time.
When Hurricane Melissa threatened our communities, you answered the call.
You served in four shelters across New Providence and supported operations at the National Emergency Operations Centre.
This cohort also marks another first, the first time we have welcomed cadets from Acklins and San Salvador.
Acklins and San Salvador, your presence strengthens this programme. It reminds us that national service belongs to every island, every community, every Bahamian.
Cohort 5, you have given back to your country in visible and meaningful ways.
You served as escorts at the 2025 Cultural Awards, representing the dignity and poise of the Youth Guard.
You volunteered with the Bahamas Red Cross, clearing and reorganizing their warehouses, and supporting the Red Cross Farm so that 200 meals a day can reach our elderly and disabled.
You walked fields, cleared brush, and opened new nature trails as Clifton Heritage Park expands its ecotourism experiences for Bahamians and visitors alike.
You even gave your evenings to public safety, assisting the Gang Crime and Justice Task Force and helping gather over 500 community survey responses, working late into the night after your full training days.
That is service. That is commitment. That is stepping up when others might step back.
And there is more! Many of you are stepping straight from training into meaningful employment, including opportunities at Great Stirrup Cay and Royal Caribbean International’s CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club.
I also want to recognize several members of this cohort whose efforts and spirit have made a lasting mark on their peers.
Cadet Brennan came into this programme with a deep fear of the water, a fear that could easily have held her back.
But instead of stepping away, she leaned in. Step by step, she confronted what once felt impossible.
Cadet Elvis Smith has shown unwavering commitment from the very first day.
Fully engaged. Fully invested. He has given his all to every drill, every lesson, every challenge.
His quiet consistency is a powerful example of what discipline truly looks like.
Cadet Rahming brought something else to this cohort – he brought spirit.
With original cadences and songs, he lifted morale when the days were long and the body tired.
He reminded this cohort, and all of us, that even in serious work, joy can be a source of strength.
Cadet Malik Young became the big brother of this group, the one who watched the line, held the unit together, and made sure no one was left behind.
His leadership was not loud, but it was steady. And steady leadership is the kind that lasts.
And Cadet Gerard Sands brought maturity and life experience that helped shape this cohort’s discipline and composure.
His influence strengthened their focus. His example sharpened their standards.
Each of these cadets reflects a different strength.
Together, they reflect the heart of Cohort Five.
This programme is not only producing responders. It is producing workers, leaders, achievers – young Bahamians who are ready to build their future.
Cohort Five, your actions have spoken loudly. Your country has heard you and has already felt your impact.
I want to close by acknowledging those who make the National Youth Guard possible:
To the instructors and to the families of Cohort Five, your encouragement and support are the foundation our youth guards stand on today.
To our chief instructors, Chief Petty Officer Kelsey Missick and Force Chief Paulette Higgs, thank you for your exemplary leadership and your passion for moulding young lives with purpose.
To the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, thank you for your continued direction and leadership.
To Captain Coral Harbour Sonia Miller, thank you for your dedication, your steady hand, and your belief in the potential of every young person who stands here today.
To the Ministry of National Security staff in the National Youth Guard office, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to this program’s success.
To the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, thank you for your extraordinary devotion to the Youth Guard – you have been essential to its continued growth and success.
Cohort Five, today marks the end of this training, but the beginning of your future. Carry yourselves with pride.
Forge ahead with confidence.
Serve with compassion.
And show The Bahamas and the world, through your actions, what young Bahamians are capable of.
I am so proud of you!
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Thank you.