The Tribune

SIX Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers recently completed a five-day educational expedition to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as guests of the Bahamas National Trust.

The four boys and two girls were specially selected by the Defence Force from the Ranger group in Freeport. The Rangers were formed in 1996 as a cadet programme for senior high school students around the country.

The Ranger members who went on the expedition were Ron Lewis, Razhena Arthur, Tyler Bain, Caitlyn Walker, Michael Altidor and Tyriq Forbes.

The BNT maintains a close partnership with the RBDF for enforcement of no-take rules in some national parks and marine reserves. The BNT also conducts environmental educational programmes for the Rangers.

“We engage children in classrooms and on field trips to help them understand the importance of our natural environment,” said BNT Education Director Portia Sweeting. “The recent field trip to Exuma exposed this group of Rangers to new experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The expedition was led by the BNT’s Grand Bahama Outreach Officer Cheri Wood, BNT Science Officer Scott Johnson and BNT volunteer Toio Mazzoni. Park warden Henry Haley and RBDF Leading Seaman Michael Wring were also involved.

The field trip involved a series of land and sea activities to strengthen the Rangers’ knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Bahamian environment. They learned to identify animal and fish species and used scientific methods to collect and survey different sets of data. They also learned about the Defence Force’s role in protecting The Bahamas from illegal poachers, wildlife smugglers and human traffickers.

No electronic devices were permitted on the expedition, and hiking was a part of the daily routine. Meals were prepared and eaten in a group setting to foster teamwork and social interaction.

“The field trip was partly funded by businesses in the Freeport community who generously support our education programmes,” said Ms Wood. “One of these was Toio Mazzoni of Island Spray Professionals, who also volunteered his time and mentorship to travel with the group.”

he BNT is a non-governmental, non-profit, membership organisation working to protect Bahamian natural resources by building a network of national parks and promoting environmental stewardship.