June 15th was a historic day on the island of Exuma as 38 students for the very first time were inducted into the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) Rangers Program, following a Passing Out Parade ceremony.
The students represented three secondary schools on the island, namely; the L. N. Coakley High School, St. Andrew’s Anglican School and Exuma Christian School.
This latest addition in Exuma brings the total to 24 schools in New Providence and 25 schools in the Family Islands.
The Rangers programme, which has been in existence since 1995 in the capital, has since expanded to include 8 Family Islands.
Numerous relatives and friends assembled at the Government complex in George Town, Exuma to witness the historic induction of the young students. In attendance were Mr. Ivan Ferguson, Island Administrator; Rangers Director, Lieutenant Delvonne Duncombe and other local government representatives and leaders of religious sectors.
Lieutenant Delvonne Duncombe thanked the parents and members of the local community for supporting the Rangers and congratulated the graduates on behalf of the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, and the members of the Defence Force.
Several students were the recipients of special certificates and awards.
The overall Minister of National Security Award, went to Brittney Archer of L.N. Coakley High School; the Commander Defence Force Awards for students attaining a grade point average of 3.5 and above were awarded to Anaiya Smith and Benjamin Adams of St. Andrew’s High School and Philnovia Munroe of Exuma Christian School.
Other awards included the Rangers Director Award, which went to Travez Neymour of L. N. Coakley High School.