From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Local
RBDF 2018 Marines of the Year
By Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF)
Dec 20, 2018 - 2:49:36 PM

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Petty Officer Eunice Rolle leading the chorus at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018 along with Commander Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel and his Executive Command. From left: Commodore Tellis Bethel, RBDF Captains Samuel Evans, Clyde Sawyer and Adrian Chriswell and Reverend Prince Bodie. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)

Coral Harbour Base, (RBDF): As a result of their hard work and dedication throughout the year, 3 Marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were recipients of the Marine of the Year Award in their respective categories at the Force’s Annual event.

Under the Award program, each of the Forces 14 departments presents a Departmental Marine of the Year from among which are selected the prestigious Livingstone Smith Marine of the Year Award for the Leading, Able and Marine Seaman Rate categories. Leading Seaman William Burns (Harbour Patrol Unit), Able Mechanic Joevonne Simmons (Base Maintenance Team) and Woman Marine Hermeka Knowles (Operations Department) are the latest recipients of the coveted Leon L. Smith Award.

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Students from the Adelaide Primary School performing a chorus selection chorus at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018.(RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)

The Awardees received their awards for outstanding and dedicated services throughout the year. In previous years, one overall winner was selected from among the Leading, Able and Marine Seaman rates for the Leon Livingstone Smith Marine of the Year. This year’s format included one overall winner from each of the three categories.

Runners Up were in these categories included: Leading Woman Marine Natasha Major, Able Seaman Glen Bullard and Marine Mechanic Cyncarreo Collie.

The Leo Livingstone Smith prize is named  in honor of the first Bahamian Commodore who headed the Defence Force from 1983 – 1997. Both Commodore Smith and his wife, Mrs. Helen Smith, were in attendance to present the award.

A total of 14 Marines were recipients of the Departmental Marine of the Year Award. These awardees were nominated by their respective departments from among which the Leon Livingstone Smith Marine of the Year Awardees were selected.

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Students from the Gambier Primary School performing a musical selection at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)

Commodore Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force. commended all of the recipients for their performances during the year. He also thanked the Officers and Marines for their invaluable contributions, and encouraged them to continue to perform their duties with honor and pride.

Staff, faculty, parents and students from the Gambier and Adelaide Primary Schools were also special guests at the Annual Carol Service. The schools, which were adopted by the RBDF over many years made their presence felt with a musical and a poem selections. The students were presented with Christmas gifts from the RBDF afterwards.

Reverend Prince Bodie, the RBDF Chaplain, brought the Christmas message and reminded those in attendance that in the midst of the duties they undertake and the challenges they face, that God was with them, and will protect and prosper them in their efforts to safeguard our nation.  The service brings together personnel from all sectors of the RBDF for a time of reflection and thanksgiving during the festive season.

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Reverend Prince Bodie, the RBDF Chaplain, bringing the Christmas message at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)


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Leading Seaman William Burns receiving the Leon Smith Leon Livingstone Smith Marine of the Year Award. From Left: Senior Lieutenant Andrew Bowe, Commanding Officer, Harbour Patrol Unit; Commodore (Retired) Leon Smith; Leading Seaman Burns; Commodore Tellis Bethel and Captain Adrian Chriswell, Captain Coral Harbour (Acting). (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)


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The 14 Marines were recipients of the Departmental Marine of the Year Award along with Commodore Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force; Commodore (Retired) Livingston Smith and Mrs. Helen Smith; and the RBDF Executive Command. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)


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A student of the Adelaide Primary School receiving a christmas gift at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)


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RBDF personnel at the Defence Force Christmas Carol Service and Awards Ceremony on December 18, 2018. (RBDF Photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner)



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