Sixty-four young Bahamians from across the country successfully completed the Bahamas National Youth Guard (BYG) three-month training to become the first group of national disaster and emergency responders produced by the program.
On Friday, cadets received their certificates of completion and certifications in skills such as carpentry, electrical, search and rescue, and maritime.
Witnessing their accomplishments were Prime Minister Philip Davis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg; Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey; Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe, other government officials, parents and well-wishers.
Davis told the cadets, "You have been trained at the highest standard, and you carry the mantel of excellence when you represent the National Youth Guard.
"When my government took the helm, we made a solemn promise to do all we could to create policies and programs pivoted on disaster risk management.
"We recognized that there was a need for urgent action and a swift turn to a culture of preparedness and proactive initiatives."
In 2022, through University of The Bahamas, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Hawaii's Pacific Disaster Centre, which Davis said was forged in preparedness and with an attitude of positivity toward creating viable sustainable pre and post-disaster response systems in vulnerable countries.
"The purpose of the National Youth Guard is to create a core of young people who are equipped to help the nation respond to emergencies and disasters by supporting public and private agencies," he said.
The National Youth Guard recruits are from 10 islands across The Bahamas: Grand Bahama, New Providence, Abaco, Andros, Long Island, Bimini, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Inagua, and Exuma.
"There were 275 applicants resulting in 64 final recruits, after interview and training, moving into internships with over 10 disaster response agencies. Sixty-six percent of the recruits were between 18 and 20 years old. It is important to note that our young women were well represented, accounting for 48 percent of recruits," Davis said.
"Most of these eager and courageous men and women are former and current members of other service organizations such as Rangers, Girl Guides, YEP, and The Salvation Army."
The prime minister said their commitment to the program speaks to the willingness of young people to engage and contribute to the well-being of the country.
He emphasized that creating this unit was crucial.
"It only made sense to train our young people and equip them with important, high-level skills to ensure that The Bahamas is better suited to respond to national emergencies," Davis said.
"I believe this initiative is among the most important on our roster of goals for this administrative term. Investing in our youth, and investing in the safety of our country is of utmost importance.
Sixty-four young Bahamians from across the country have successfully completed the Bahamas National Youth Guard (BYG) three-month training, to become the first group of national disaster and emergency responders. Photos: Tristan Gibson
"Your commitment, toil and earnestness have put you in a position to be a vitally important asset to The Bahamas' disaster risk management agenda."
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture announced the program in October 2022 and the pilot was launched on Grand Bahama in January 2023.
The recruits were stationed at the Police Training College and received instruction from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) while receiving a weekly stipend of $250.
Other organizations supporting the program include the Bahamas Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), and LJM Maritime Academy.
Special awards were given to the top students in each skill set. Among those receiving high recognition were Tawyano Holbert (NEMA, Captain B License); Nathaniel Whyms (DRA, Captain B License); Chad Evans (RBPF, Captain B License); Ramon Herrera-Lightbourne (RBDF, First Aid, BTVI); Gisele Martinez-Liriano (Maritime, Captain B License); Tania King (Electrical/BTVI) and Michelane Darville (Plumbing/BTVI).
Other cadets receiving awards were Donovan Hepburn for demonstrating the core values of the program; Holbert for leadership and the Most Outstanding Male and Voulecia Roberts, Most Outstanding Female.
Herrera-Lightbourne was named the Overall Cadet of the program.
"It was a great experience to be a part of the National Youth Guard," he said.
"To know that I am trained to help in the time of a disaster ... to help my country is rewarding. I encourage other young people to become a part of this program.
"It will change your life."
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