The new head of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force announced Thursday that his top priority is to implement the changes recommended by international military experts nearly five years ago.

After he was sworn in at the fourth Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Roderick Bowe said one of the first things he wants to do is act on the more than 100 recommendations of a team designed to assess the force.

The assessment focused on three areas, resources, personnel and expanding the RBDF's capabilities. The new Commander said beyond the recommendations, he  wants to decentralize power at the force and said the appointment of Captain Tellis Bethel as Deputy Commander, Defence Force is proof of that intent.

The Force is at a critical point in its history, Bowe said. In March the Force will celebrate it's 30th anniversary. 

“Each of us must now search deep within ourselves and re-align and re-orientate our focus, summon the courage of our convictions and renew our commitment to the call of country and duty in the service of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force,” Commander Bowe told the audience, which included Governor General His Excellency Arthur Dion Hanna; Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham and Minister of National Security the Hon. O.A.T. “Tommy” Turnquest.

The handing over ceremony took place abord the  headed the list of state and government officials on board ship for the Change of Command ceremony at Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Coral Harbour Base.
CDF Bowe replaces Commodore Clifford Wellington “Butch” Scavella who has been appointed as Special Envoy to Haiti.