More than 60 employees of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) were saluted for long service and good conduct as part of the organization’s 71st anniversary observances.

Officers received awards for “faithful” and “dedicated” service in categories of 30, 25 and 18 years. Deputy to the Governor-General Ruby Ann Darling presented the awards Thursday, November 9, 2023 during a ceremony at the Lower Gardens, Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. The theme for the week of celebrations is 'Building on the Legacy – Advancing towards Corrections.'

Members of the BDOCS executive management team, senior government officials, representatives of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, family and well-wishers witnessed the presentations.

Bernadette Thompson-Murray, Acting Commissioner of Corrections congratulated the honourees, extended best wishes to them and encouraged them to work hard and not to become weary.

She said their passion, persistence, perseverance, patience, hard work and countless sacrifices have helped with the transformation process that the organization is presently experiencing.

“The Bahamas Department of Corrections recognizes your hard work over the years and acknowledges that the institution will forever be indebted to you for serving faithfully for 18, 25 and 30, years which is admirable and deserving of the recognition that is being bestowed upon you today.

“The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services applauds the determination and effort that you have demonstrated during your time with the department. Hence, the Correctional Services is proud to have you on our team,” she said.

More than 60 employees of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) were saluted for long service and good conduct as part of the organization’s 71st anniversary observances. Officers received awards for “faithful” and “dedicated” service in categories of 30, 25 and 18 years. Deputy to the Governor-General Ruby Ann Darling presented the awards Thursday, November 9, 2023 during a ceremony at the Lower Gardens, Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. The theme for the week of celebrations is 'Building on the Legacy – Advancing towards Corrections.' Members of the BDOCS executive management team, senior government officials, representatives of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, family and well-wishers witnessed the presentations. Bernadette Thompson-Murray, Acting Commissioner of Corrections congratulated the honourees, extended best wishes to them and encouraged them to work hard and not to become weary. She said their passion, persistence, perseverance, patience, hard work and countless sacrifices have helped with the transformation process that the organization is presently experiencing.   “The Bahamas Department of Corrections recognizes your hard work over the years and acknowledges that the institution will forever be indebted to you for serving faithfully for 18, 25 and 30, years which is admirable and deserving of the recognition that is being bestowed upon you today. “The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services applauds the determination and effort that you have demonstrated during your time with the department. Hence, the Correctional Services is proud to have you on our team,” she said.

Governor General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Cynthia Pratt visited centenarian Mrs. Laura Zelia Dean-Miller (October 28, 1923) at her home where she wished and sang Happy Birthday to her. 

The Governor General also presented Mrs. Dean-Miller with an arrangement of flowers, and letters from HRH King Charles III, on Saturday, October 28, 2023. 

Young people of school, civic, and service organization groups participated in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's (MOYSC) 'Youth Month' National Youth Rally and March -- from Clifford Park and West Bay Street to Baillou Hill Road, Poinciana Drive, Nassau Street, West Bay Street, and back to Clifford Park on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The Youth Rally and March is held each year October.   

Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Cynthia Pratt presented medals at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's '2023 National Youth Award Nominees' Medal Pinning Ceremony in the Ballroom at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.   

Seated are the Governor General (centre); Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Cora Bain-Colebrooke.