The USCG, RBDF and BASRA Team Up to Inspire and Educate Bahamian Youth

January 13, 2012

St. Andrew's students proudly display life jackets donated by USNORTHCOM. (Photo State Dept.)

The vibrant partnership between the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Bahamas Air Sear Rescue Association (BASRA) and their shared ensuring the safety of countless residents and visitors to The Bahamas was the focus of two recent youth outreach events on January 6 and 7. 

On Friday January 6, representatives from the USCG, RBDF, and BASRA were joined by visiting officers from the US Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island on a special visit to St. Andrew’s School to promote boating safety.  The visitors were greeted by an enthusiastic group of sixty 4-6 year olds who eagerly participated in interactive demonstrations led by RBDF Rangers.  The Captain of the USCG Pea Island, Lt. Paul Miller and BASRA’s Operations Director, Chris Lloyd, Operations Director at BASRA reinforced the message by encouraging the student to always think of safety first while on the water because a boating incident could occur at any time.  At the end of the presentation each student received their own life jacket courtesy of US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) as part of an ongoing USCG-RBDF-BASRA effort to educate youth through the national “Bahamas Youth Safe Boating Campaign.” 

On Saturday January 7, fifty RBDF rangers were given the opportunity to experience a USCG Cutter first-hand when they embarked on the 110 foot USCG Cutter Pea Island to participate in a one-hour ship tour.  While onboard the RBDF Rangers had the opportunity to learn about Cutter’s day-to-day operations as well as the strong ties forged between USCG and Bahamian ship riders who jointly conduct regular patrols and search and rescue missions in Bahamian waters. 

The US Embassy’s Chargè d’ Affaires, John Dinkelman, also participated in the tour alongside the future maritime leaders.  He noted that the Ranger’s tour of the Pea Island Cutter and their participation in the Safe Boating event at St. Andrew’s  illustrate the great working relationship between the USCG and the RBDF; a partnership based on mutual respect and support.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is here to assist The Bahamas when and wherever needed” he noted, “As nations band together to combine their resources and apply them where they are most needed to serve the common good, you will find the United States.”