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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
CEREMONIAL CAKE – Benjamin Pinder, the longest serving staff member of the Bahamas Customs Department in Grand Bahama prepares to cut the ceremonial cake marking the Bahamas Customs Department's celebration of its Centennial Anniversary. Pictured from left: Sherick Martin, Assistant Comptroller of Customs; Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama; Mr. Pinder; Ms. Ruth Pinder; Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; C.A. Smith, former Customs officer, government minister and diplomat; and Alexander Williams, Senior Family Island Administrator.
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Freeport G.B. and Nassau, Bahamas – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville on Friday described the Bahamas Customs Department as being a noble organisation and pledged his Ministry's support and that of the Government to the country’s top tax collection agency.
Dr. Darville was participating in a flag raising ceremony marking the Centennial Anniversary of the Bahamas Customs Department.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Michael Halkitis with remarks during the Bahamas Customs Department's Centennial Anniversary and Flag Raising Ceremony March 21, at Customs House, Thompson Boulevard. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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The event was held in the courtyard of the C.A. Smith Complex on the Mall and supported by the various government agencies on Grand Bahama, former Customs officers, and friends and supporters of the Customs Department.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Fred Mitchell also participated in the function as did senior law enforcement officers on Grand Bahama Island.
The Bahamas Customs Department Celebrates their Centennial Anniversary and Flag Raising Ceremony Friday, March 21, at Customs House, Thompson Boulevard. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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Addressing the gathering, Dr. Darville said “I am delighted to be a part of this most auspicious occasion as the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department celebrates 100 years of existence in The Bahamas.
“The event commemorates a significant milestone, as the Customs Department throughout the past century has played a crucial role in the economic and social development of The Bahamas,” the Minister said.
Continuing, he said that “as Minister for Grand Bahama, I am very proud of our Customs Department, which is a part of a noble organisation that collects the majority of the country’s revenue, thus allowing other government agencies to function effectively.
MINISTER for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville addresses Customs officers and other invited guests attending the Bahamas Customs Department Centennial Anniversary Celebrations at the C.A. Smith Complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday morning. Also seated front row is the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Fred Mitchell.
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“I applaud these officers for their excellent work and for their assistance of the other uniformed branches, with the protection of our borders.
“I wish to assure you all that the invaluable contribution that each of you have made to Grand Bahama and our country, and its development over the years, has not gone unnoticed, and this morning I pledge my Ministry’s and by extension, the Government’s support as you endeavour to modernise and provide professional quality service to the public at large,” Dr. Darville said.
He also took the opportunity to encourage all officers to keep up the excellent work, and, and to remain honest, dedicated and fair in the fulfilment of their obligations and responsibilities to the country.
Gary Smith, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and the oldest serving officer, cuts the ceremonial cake during the Bahamas Customs Department's Centennial Anniversary and Flag Raising Ceremony Friday, March 21, at Customs House Thompson Boulevard. Also pictured from left: Labour and National Insurance Minister, Shane Gibson; Minister of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis; Comptroller of Customs, Charles Turner; Financial Secretary, John Rolle, and William Poitier. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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FLAG RAISING – Customs officers on Grand Bahama are seen hoisting their flag on Friday morning at the C.A. Smith Complex as they celebrate their Centennial Anniversary. (BIS Photos/Vandyke Hepburn)
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Linda Pearce was honoured for 30 years service and Jerome Miller for 20 years during the Bahamas Customs Department 100th Anniversary Gala Banquet Saturday, March 22, at the Sheraton British Colonial Hilton Hotel. Also pictured at, Charles Turner, Comptroller of Customs and at right, Michael Halkitis, Minister of State for Finance. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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