RBC Royal Bank recently provided sponsorship for the installation of 565 Rangers through the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).

In three separate ceremonies held during the past month, the RBDF inducted 380 Rangers in New Providence, 140 in Abaco and 45 in Freeport.

“At RBC, one of our top community-giving priorities is to support youth and education,” said Market Head, Personal Banking in The Bahamas, Cayman and Turks & Caicos Islands, Nathaniel Beneby.

“The RBDF Rangers Programme focuses on developing a cadre of young leaders who have character, discipline and a sense of national duty. This outstanding programme provides our youth with training and tools they need to succeed in life.”

The RBDF Ranger Programme was first introduced in 1995 at the Donald Davis Secondary School as the Ranger Platoon.

Its initial goal was to encourage and motivate male students at the junior high level to become productive members of their schools and society.

Today, the Rangers have advanced from a simple project to a diversified youth organisation with more than 600 participants. Students from 22 schools in New Providence, four schools in Freeport and seven schools in Abaco are actively involved.

Today, there are many female students involved in the programme as well.

“The Rangers Programme seeks to help students develop into productive citizens,” said
Lieutenant Origin Deleveaux, director of the RBDF Rangers.

“Instilling positive attitudes toward self, others, community and our nation remain our major goals. However, our programme also provides ways for students to become well-rounded committed citizens and learn about and participate in conservation efforts.”

The RBDF Rangers participate in a wide range of events, including community service projects, club fairs, church services, parades and flag raising ceremonies.

The Rangers also participate in many special events, such as day and overnight hikes, educational seminars and organised competitions.

The Rangers also have a special drill team that is in high demand for performances and launched a marching band in 2012.

“Programmes such as this are expensive to execute, so financial support from organisations such as RBC is critical,” said Mr. Deleveaux. “RBC has shown tremendous support for the Rangers programme, and we want to thank them for their generosity.”

The Rangers Programme works jointly with the Bahamas Maritime Cadet corps to qualify Rangers for employment in the maritime field. They also train and select potential Rangers to become members of the RBDF.