This year-round event is an impressive demonstration of the country’s military at the historic Government House on East Hill Street in the city of Nassau.  The Ceremony features precision drills to the sounds of the world-renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and Royal Bahamas Defense Force Guards.  This event is held in the honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  It is has become a must see attraction for tourists and Bahamians alike.

History of the Ceremony

In 1958 a special group of officers were recruited from England to be under the command of Mr. Dennis Morgan, the then Director of Music for the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.  Mr. Morgan, stemming from his training at Buckingham Palace, introduced the “Beating of the Retreat” at Christmas and an official ceremony of “Changing of The Guard” at Government House.  The “Changing of The Guard” took place every first and third Saturday of the month with members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band who would march from Police Headquarters to Government House and perform a fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minute display for the Bahamian citizens and our international visitors.

In 1990 the Royal Bahamas Defense Force became a part of this historic ceremony, as they took over the duties from the Police as Security Guards at Government House.

Present Day

Today this ceremony takes place every second Saturday in the month at 11am.  The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band along with the new guard of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, march from the Police Force Headquarters on East Street to Government House on East Hill Street; with the Police Force band playing along the way.  On arrival at Government House, the Police Force Band performs a marching display; after which a member of the new guard replaces a member of the old guard that is at the sentry.  Finally, the old guard marches back to the Police Barracks with the Police Band playing, leaving the new sentry in position.

The whole ceremony takes approximately 30 minutes.

Information courtesy of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and Royal Bahamas Defense Force.