Fighting Poaching And Illegal Migration A Priority For The RBDF

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Guarding the nation’s territorial waters remains a top priority for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the country’s sole military organization.

Commodore Floyd Moxey, just over two months into the role, says illegal fishing remains a serious concern, especially during the now-closed crawfish season.

“We haven’t intercepted any Dominican poachers yet, but intelligence suggests they’re operating just outside our waters and sending dinghies into Bahamian territory,” Moxey explained. “Our patrol craft are monitoring the area closely, and we’re actively working to deter and, if necessary, intercept them.”

But it’s not just poaching on the radar, illegal migration is also a growing threat.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the unrest in Haiti,” Moxey said, referencing ongoing gang violence. “We’ve deployed patrol boats to the southern Bahamas as a proactive measure in case of a migrant surge. We’re also using both air and sea assets to monitor the area.”

He noted that just yesterday, a Haitian landing was reported in the Turks and Caicos.

“They’re now using motorized boats instead of traditional sailing vessels,” Moxey added. “In fact, just two weeks ago, we intercepted a motorized vessel from Haiti carrying around 50 to 60 migrants.”

To strengthen national security, four custom-built safe boats were commissioned last month, each capable of reaching as far as Inagua without refueling. They’ve now been deployed to Grand Bahama, Abaco, Matthew Town, and Gunpoint, Ragged Island.

Financial Secretary Simon Wilson says modernizing the fleet and acquiring a new flagship vessel could cost nearly $100 million.

“We’re finalizing a draft proposal for a 62-meter offshore patrol craft,” Wilson said. “It will serve as the Defence Force’s flagship and significantly enhance our ability to protect Bahamian waters.”