Photo one shows: Graduates and Instructors of the Bahamas Customs Marine Division
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Coral Harbour Base -
The Customs Department
achieved a historic milestone landmark on Friday past with
the graduation of fifteen Bahamas Customs Officers from
the newly established Bahamas Customs Marine Unit headed by Superintendent
Tyrone Palmer. The new members of the Marine Unit underwent eight weeks of
intensive customs and maritime training that was coordinated by members of The
Bahamas Customs and Excise Department and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The
training program encompassed eleven disciplines (practical and theory)
including search and boarding, navigation, firefighting, weapons handling,
seamanship, and fitness training. Royal Bahamas Defence Force course
instructors included Chief Petty Officers Terrance Smith and Jonathan Evans and
Petty Officers Paul Bain and Carlton Mackey.
The historic graduation ceremony was held at Coral
Harbour Base on Friday 10thApril. During the ceremony, the
Honourable Michael Halkitis, Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance, joined
Mr. Turner, the Comptroller of Bahamas Customs, in lauding the Defence Force
for its invaluable assistance in contributing to the establishment of the
Marine Unit. Minister Halkitis also highlighted the significant role the Marine
Unit will play in the efficient collection of revenue among the boating
community. Captain Tellis Bethel, Acting Commander Defence Force, assured
Mr. Turner of the Defence Force’s commitment to helping the newly established
Unit to grow and succeed. Captain Bethel also emphasized the importance of
local law enforcement agencies to ‘communicate and collaborate’ to enhance the
safety, prosperity and security of The Bahamas.
