Four who perished in 1980
sinking
By TAMARA McKENZIE,Guardian Staff Reporter
The sinking of the HMBS Flamingo and death of four marines on May 10, 1980, challenged the mettle of a young Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer and a young nation, said Commodore Davy Rolle, while addressing family members of the deceased marines.
"They were killed while carrying out a duty that we are still called upon to do on a daily basis in prosecution of our mandate. For all concerned, I am sure that time has served to assuage the pain of our loss but it must never be allowed to take away the memories," said the Commodore during a "Morning Colours" ceremony at the RBDF base.
Also attending the ceremony were surviving crew members of the HMBS Flamingo, and officers and marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. A wreath was laid at sea in memory of the Flamingo and its perished crew members, and throughout the day on Monday, the Defence Force ensign flew at half-mast.
After arresting two Cuban fishing vessels near the Ragged Island chain, Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, 21; Marine Seaman Austin Rudolph Smith, 21; Marine Seaman David Allison Tucker, 21 and Marine Seaman Edward Arnold Williams, 23, were killed when Cuban MIG jets fired upon and sunk the HMBS Flamingo.
Six of the 15 surviving crew members of the Flamingo are still serving members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. They are: Captain Anthony Allens, Lieutenant Whitfield Neely, Force Chief Petty Officer Dencil Clarke, Chief Petty Officer Greg Curry, Chief Petty Officer Anthony Russell, and Petty Officer Leo Kirby.
Commodore Rolle told guests that memorials like those held on Monday force the RBDF to recall painful memories. He added however, that he was keenly aware that the tragedy can be a challenging experience for affected families, surviving crewmen and others that are occasionally forced to relive such an indelible part of the Force's history.
"Therefore, I would wish at this juncture to especially thank the family members and survivors for so graciously consenting to be here with us this morning as we honour the memory of those lost," he said.
Comodore Rolle also stressed that it was "necessary" and even "essential" for the RBDF to constantly remind young officers and marines, as well as the general public, about the "short but relatively illustrious" history of the Defence Force as a military establishment.
He said that many marines who served on the Force in 1980 were determined to carry on, while many others unhesitatingly resolved to join the Force as a result of the events surrounding Flamingo. He added however, that those who stayed and have since joined, carry on with the very real threat of danger hanging over them during the execution of any number of daily routine activities.
"They do so without fanfare and much praise because of their love for this country," the RBDF Commodore said.
"This fact alone speaks volumes for the majority of resolute and inherently brave young men and women who comprise this institution."
As he concluded his remarks, Commodore Rolle not only saluted the crew of the HMBS Flamingo, but the memory of all fallen in service to The Bahamas.
"I also commend each one of you who just by putting on the uniform of the Defence Force indicate that you are committed and dedicated, to the common cause of guarding our heritage. I encourage you to do so with dignity and resolve, always bearing in mind and spirit that you not only represent yourselves but an entire organization," he said.
And although the RBDF holds yearly ceremonies for the family members of the four deceased marines, a surviving marine, Lieutenant Whitfield Neely told The Guardian Sunday that he was "greatly disappointed" about how the tragic incident had been observed over the years by the RBDF.
"I really think that an incident of that magnitude on the Force would have some significance in our everyday life and would be an incident where the Force draws some strength from, but it has gone to the back of everyone's minds," said Lt Neely.
