Eighteen young men and women from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers graduated from the Antiquities, Monuments, and Museums Corporation's Historical Military Re-enactment Programme at Fort Charlotte.

The programme is a partnership between AMMC and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force's Rangers programme. During the graduation, Rangers were dressed in uniform attire worn by British West India soldiers during the 1700s as they performed a reenactment of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Dr. Keith Tinker, Director, AMMC and Captain Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting) congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities made available to them through the Historical Military programmes.

Senior RBDF Rangers adorned in their West India Regiment uniform during the graduation ceremony of the 18 senior RBDF Rangers at Fort Charlotte. From left: Carlington Mackey Jr., Alvin Bain, William Murphy, Kimberly Young and Vann Miller. (RBDF Photo by: Marine Seaman Collison Ingraham)

“Today, we stand at the threshold of ‘history-in-the-making’ once again, as we witness the historic transfer of ceremonial duties for the re-enactment of the ‘Changing of the Guard’ from Defence Force Officers and Marines to our Rangers,” said Captain Bethel. “This event is proof positive that our ‘Weapons of Mass Construction’ are effecting positive change; and that when we take care of our youth, our youth will help take care of our nation.”

The newly graduated Rangers will be employed by AMMC with responsibility for conducting tours, performing military reenactments and assisting with security at Fort Charlotte. Following an exciting drill display, they were presented with certificates by Dr. Gail Saunders, Deputy Director, AMMC, and Captain Bethel.

Dr. Keith Tinker, Director AMMC bringing remarks at the graduation ceremony of the 18 senior RBDF Rangers at Fort Charlotte. (RBDF Photo by: Marine Seaman Collison Ingraham)

RBDF Rangers Breashe Poitier receiving his official certificate from Captain Tellis A. Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting) and Dr. Gail Saunders, Deputy Chairperson, the National Museum of The Bahamas Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC). (RBDF Photo by: Marine Seaman Collison Ingraham)

By Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF)