Following months of speculation, it was officially announced on Wednesday that Lieutenant Commander Clifford ‘Butch’ Scavella would replace Commodore Davy Rolle as the next Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). The formal turning over of command will take place on November 2.
“Commodore Davy Rolle will retire from the Defence Force and will proceed on pre-retirement leave with effect from November 2, 2006,” announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Cynthia Pratt while addressing Parliamentarians in the Lower Chamber.
The appointment of Scavella marks an overall process of “revitalization” that the RBDF is presently undertaking, Minister Pratt said. She noted that his appointment would bring a “new perspective” and “vitality” to the operation of the Force.
Lauding Commodore Rolle for his illustrious military career, which began on May 1, 1979, Minister Pratt said throughout Mr Rolle’s dedicated years of service to The Bahamas and the Caribbean region, he has demonstrated exceptional ability, foresight and sound judgment. “Commodore Rolle is highly respected by his peers and was instrumental in bringing about several major regional security initiatives,” Minister Pratt stated. “Nationally, he ensured that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force gave ready and cheerful assistance to other law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order and to those affected by disasters, the aged, young persons and to civic groups in the pursuit of their objectives.”
Minister Pratt said that for many years, Commodore Rolle has championed the proposal to establish a National Joint Intelligence Headquarters for law enforcement agencies and is at the forefront of these initiatives locally and in the region. “His service has been stellar and we are eternally grateful for his contribution,” Minister Pratt said about the departing Commodore. “Other changes will come about in the Defence Force and those will be presently announced.”
The formal ceremony for the turning over of command on Nov. 2 will be held at the RBDF Coral Harbour base and will be presided over by Governor General Arthur D. Hanna.
Meanwhile, Minister Pratt told Parliamentarians that the RBDF needed to be revitalized. Such a conclusion, she said, was formulated following an in-depth review of the Force, which came as a result of the government’s concern about the increasing security challenges faced by the country. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the government was mindful that significant security challenges arise in the maritime sphere and was concerned that the RBDF was lacking in resources and required significant capitalization and revitalization. “The Committee, in its report, drew a detailed and comprehensive chart to guide the revitalization process,” the DPM explained to Parliamentarians in the House of Assembly on Wednesday. “The Committee spoke specifically to the need for fostering in men and women of the Defence Force, the capacity to deliver a higher quality of service [and] the removal of all impediments in the pursuit and delivery of excellent service, including the re-organization and modernization of the administrative structure of the Force and the provision of needed resources.”
The DPM explained that the government obtained expert advice from experienced, knowledgeable and highly regarded citizens of The Bahamas to conduct a review of the RBDF. Advice was also sought from a committee comprising of two Canadian armed force specialists, recommended by the Canadian Government and three prominent Bahamians. The Review Team was led by Major General Cameron Ross. The civilian members of the Review Committee were Dr. Keva Bethel, an educator; Mr Herbert C. Walkine, a retired Secretary to the Cabinet and Mr Neil Braithwaite, an Attorney in the office of the Attorney General.
Minister Pratt said all recommendations offered by the Committee were accepted by the Government and the National Security Council. She pointed out, however, that as a practical measure, the Government appointed an Implementation Committee to examine and test the validity of the Review Committee’s recommendations, and to guide, facilitate and expedite the implementation of these recommendations. The implementation committee is led by the Hon. Paul L. Adderley. “The process of revitalization opens a new chapter in the life of the RBDF,” Minister Pratt stated. “Views across a wide spectrum, both within and outside of the Defence Force, are in concert that this new chapter should be guided by persons who will bring new perspectives and vitality to the operation of the Defence Force.”
The future revitalization of the RBDF will also include the provision of additional aircraft, increased manpower, salaries, base facilities and command outposts, Minister Pratt revealed.
By: TAMARA McKENZIE, The Nassau Guardian
