“We Do Have Military Customs and We Want to Show It to the World as Well”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A customary ceremony at Government House recently left two tourists astonished by the display.

A senior lieutenant told our Denielle Miller that reactions like theirs are exactly why the Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to preserve the historic ritual.

The grounds of Government House came alive on June 26 with the rhythm of drums, the melodies of flutes, and the synchronized footsteps of officers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on the last Friday of every month.

It marks the formal transfer of guard duties at the estate.

First-time visitors to The Bahamas, Randy and Zee from California, were impressed as they watched the military drill performance.

Randy & Zee – Visitors
“Very impressive. The precision and the amount of work that went into it.”

They said a popular YouTuber recommended Government House as a must-see destination, but they were surprised to unexpectedly witness the ceremony and to be welcomed onto the grounds to watch.

Randy & Zee – Visitors
“We were very surprised. They actually invited us in.”

Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band Director Senior Lieutenant Kevin Toote says the ceremony is rooted in tradition and designed to captivate visitors.

Senior Lieutenant Kevin Toote – Band Director, Royal Bahamas Defence Force

“It happens in London a lot where the band is involved. It’s more of a tourist attraction as well.”

According to Toote, the ceremony is also an important display of national pride.

Senior Lieutenant Kevin Toote – Band Director, Royal Bahamas Defence Force

“It shows that we do have military customs that we carry, and we want to show them to the world as well.”