Good morning,
Fifty-two years ago, we raised our flag of aquamarine, gold, and black, declaring to the world our arrival as a free and sovereign nation. And today, we gather on these historic grounds under the national theme, “Together We Rise“.
This theme is more than a slogan for a celebration; it is the very principle that guides my government and the spirit that has defined our people through generations.
It speaks to a fundamental truth: that our strength is forged in our unity, and our progress is measured by our collective advancement.
It is a call to action, reminding us that building a better Bahamas is a shared responsibility that results in a shared reward.
It is in this spirit of shared reward that I must pause to offer my personal congratulations to Commodore Moxey on his recent, and most deserved, recognition as a Companion of the Order of Distinction in our 2025 National Honours.
I also extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to all the retirees and veterans of our uniformed branches who were recognized on this year’s list for their lifetime of service to our great Commonwealth.
This shared journey requires a clear direction. My administration’s work reflects the values and policies laid out in detail in our Blueprint for Change. Our agenda is focused on Security, Opportunity, Affordability, and Reform.
Today, as we gather with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, it is fitting that we focus on the pillar that is most central to your mission and to our nation’s foundation: Security.
Security encompasses our dedication to national defence and personal safety. It is the bedrock upon which all our other achievements rest, and it is the shield that protects our way of life and our sovereignty.
And no institution is more critical to this than the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1980, the RBDF was a deliberate act of a sovereign people to become the ultimate guarantors of our freedom.
Your mandate to defend our territorial integrity, patrol our vast waters, and provide relief in times of disaster is the shield that protects our way of life.
The RBDF is the living embodiment of our national strength, the institution that ensures our sovereignty.
This is not just a declaration on paper, but a reality defended every single day.
My government’s commitment to the Defence Force is resolute. We are making unprecedented investments in our national security during the coming fiscal year, spanning the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, and other key security agencies.
The security of our borders is fundamental to the sovereignty and safety of our nation.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force will benefit from strategic investments, including the modernization of key bases at Coral Harbour and Inagua, upgrades to the defence fleet, and specialized equipment, including aircraft refurbishments, which will improve aerial surveillance, mobility, and response time.
We have already commissioned four new custom-built safe boats, deploying them to strategic hotspots to expand surveillance.
We are now finalizing plans for a new, nearly $100 million flagship offshore patrol vessel to significantly enhance your ability to combat illegal migration and poaching.
As we enter another hurricane season, these investments are not a luxury, but a necessity. A modern, well-equipped Defence Force is our nation’s first and best line of defence against all threats, both human and natural.
Our vision for national security also extends to the next generation. That is why we launched our country’s first significant national service programme, the National Youth Guard.
This initiative is personal to me. It is about giving our young people the tools, the training, and the discipline to assist our nation during emergencies while gaining job-ready skills for their own futures.
I have seen firsthand the transformation in these young Bahamians, and I am proud that with over 250 graduates to date, many have already passed entrance exams to join the ranks of the Defence Force and the Police Force, creating a new pipeline of service and patriotism.
I’d like to emphasize: the state of our nation is one of rising optimism.
The progress of this past year is not a matter of chance; it is the result of a clear agenda, decisive action, and the collective effort of a determined people.
The road ahead will have its challenges, but our direction is set. Guided by our unwavering commitment to security, and united by the conviction that we must rise together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Let us move forward with confidence, with hope, and with a shared commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient Commonwealth of The Bahamas, protected by the steadfast service of our Defence Force and inspired by the promise of our youth.
God bless you, and may God bless The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.