By SEAN INNISS

Guardian Staff Reporter

Forty officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were honoured Thursday at Government House for having served 18 or more years.

But Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt said in her address that Defence Force members are not appreciated in the way they ought to be. She said it is her belief that the public is not aware, in some cases, of just how important they are."

Minister Pratt reminded spectators that the officers protect the country's shores, and daily apprehend illegal immigrants.

"They have served in many capacities that the public really doesn't know. They assist in hurricanes, provide shelter for many of our people, and also assist at many schools by providing discipline and order," she said.

Mrs. Pratt commended Commodore Davy Rolle for his vision in developing the Defence Force's youth arm, known as the Rangers. She said it allows hundreds of young Bahamians the opportunity to receive training and discipline.

Minister Pratt said for all the reasons given and the others unknown, the 40 marines and many more are deserving of their awards.

Governor General, Dame Ivy Dumont, congratulated the officers and also thanked those who provide security for the grounds at Government House. She said he has another connection to the defense force through her brother, who left the police force, and was one of the young men who helped to establish the defense force.

"I have the deepest respect, for anyone who selects the sea as the main place of operations for their work," she said.

Dame Ivy thanked the officers for their selfless hours of service, telling them that the awards they receive are not to be taken lightly.

The honoured marines are: Lt. Cdr. Adrian Creswell, Lt. Cdr. Herbert Bain, Lt. Cdr. Allister Darville; Petty Officers Ulric Bowe, Stephen Hepburn, Rodney Saunders, Keith Smith, Charles Smith; Leading Seamen, Bryan Smith, Matthew Butler, Edderley Taylor, Anthony Cooper, Bryon Brown, Ray Colebrooke, Edwin Fountain, Wayde Hanna, Garth Johnson, Andrew Major, Timothy Moss, Kevin Roberts, Jeffery Saunders, Stephen Seymour, Gordon Roberts, Stafford Bain, Glen Colebrooke, Levi Lloyd, Randy McFall, Kenneth Saunders, Rodger Smith, Bertram Wallace, Orville Cox, Lewin Smith.

Senior Lt. Nedley Martinborough, Leading Seamen Andrew Bowe, Anthony Francis, Gary Hanna, Jonathan McKenzie, Ian Morley, Talbert Williams, and Edward Russell.

Caption:FIT FOR PRAISE - Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont pins a medal on Senior Lieutenant, Nedley Martinborough during a Royal Bahamas Defence Force awards ceremony yesterday at Government House.

Staff Photo by Donald Knowles

Posted Friday March 28, 2003