The Government of The Bahamas has signed a Letter of Intent with DAMEN Shipyards to augment the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) fleet with nine medium-to-long range vessels, Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage announced last week.

The deal also includes improvements to the RBDF’s existing bases and harbours and a 70 per cent increase in human capital.

“This $200-million venture will represent the single largest investment to date in the Defence Force’s history,” Nottage said.

Nottage made the announcement during a ceremony held in Rawson Square to observe the 33rd anniversary of the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo on May 10, 1980.