ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENSE FORCE SHAKEUP STARTS AT THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 001659 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR RCBUDDEN, INR/B, PM/PPA, COGARD FOR G-CI E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2016 TAGS: PREL MCAP PINR BF SUBJECT: ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENSE FORCE SHAKEUP STARTS AT THE TOP Classified By: Chargi d'Affaires D. Brent Hardt for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Lt. Commander Clifford "Butch" Scavella has been named the new Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF), pushing former Commander Davy Rolle into retirement. The long-expected move is the first major step in implementing a major overhaul of the neglected and underutilized RBDF laid out in a detailed report prepared earlier this year by an independent review committee. Commander Rolle had been harshly criticized for poor leadership that led to corruption including the loss of narcotics contraband following a 1992 RBDF cocaine seizure. The change in leadership gives the RBDF a chance to start afresh, implement needed reforms, and, in time, become a more effective, capable, and reliable military and counter-drug partner for the U.S. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) In an October 25 announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Security Cynthia Pratt named Lt. Commander Clifford "Butch" Scavella as new leader of the RBDF effective November 2. Scavella's appointment has been rumored, as Rolle had openly acknowledged for months he had been asked to step down. Scavella's appointment bypasses several more senior officers, reflecting the government's desire to inject fresh leadership to the force. Scavella has a reputation for being a by-the-book officer and a good manager. RBDF and government contacts tell Post he will bring much-needed discipline to the RBDF while offering a more personable management style. ¶3. (C) The leadership change is the first step towards implementation of reform recommendations issued by an independent review committee. The RBDF Review Commission, which submitted its detailed report and 134 administrative reform recommendations earlier this year, was lead by Canadian Major General Cameron Ross, and included Canadian Rear Admiral Jamie Fraser and three prominent Bahamians. Post provided significant input to Major General Ross and his reform committee through its Navy and Coast Guard Liaison offices. Post's regular interaction with the RBDF provided the committee with suggestions and advice to upgrade the force as they completed the report. While many of the detailed recommendations are still under wraps, we understand they cover the gamut from training, morale, equipment, manpower, maintenance and facilities. ¶4. (U) Lt. Commander Scavella has served as Chief Passport Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since October 2003. From 2000-2003, he served as Second Secretary/Consul at The Bahamas' Embassy in Haiti, including a stint as Charge d'Affaires. Scavella has served with the RBDF for 24 years, including time as Special Forces Commander and as Commander of The Bahamas peacekeeping unit in Haiti in 1994. He served as director of RBDF training in 2000 before his move to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has a wife and two children. ¶5. (C) COMMENT: Removal of former RBDF Commander Davy Rolle is long overdue. He was indirectly tainted by the 1992 Lorequin incident, and reports of corruption, sexual abuse, and other issues have plagued the Defense Force. U.S. concerns about the RBDF's trustworthiness have restricted its involvement in Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). While Rolle was always open to the U.S. and willing to work with us, his failure to delegate, weak leadership, and unwillingness to vet key staff positions limited the RBDF's effectiveness as a partner for the USG and generated serious morale and operational challenges for the force. The appointment of training-centered Scavella from outside the current RBDF leadership is a sign of significant change. Post believes Commander Scavella will work closely with the U.S. and expand the RBDF's support to counter-drug operations. He will, however, face major challenges in implementing the defense reform recommendations and building a new esprit de corps within the dispirited RBDF ranks. To the extent he succeeds in meeting these challenges -- and we can support his efforts with training and equipment -- the RBDF will emerge as a more effective military and counter-drug partner for the United States. END COMMENT. ROOD