Bahamian author, and former Able Seaman of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Cladwell Farrington, has penned his experience in a book entitled, Because of May 10th, 1980: The Flamingo Incident. The book is his detailed account of what transpired before, during, and after the 1980 assault of the ship, the HMBS Flamingo, by the Cuban Air Force on which he was a crewmember. Impassioned by the haunting incident, Mr. Farrington felt the need to memorialize the event that took the lives of four of his comrades. He believes their families, Bahamians, and the world should never forget the fateful day when the ship was bombed and sank while engaged on a routine patrol in Bahamian waters.

Cladwell Farrington Joins the Royal Bahamas Defence Force

Despite his father’s opposition to his joining the force, Farrington had a strong desire to serve his country. Mr. Farrington joined the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in 1978 when the initial training began. He was the first person to join the force from the island of Eleuthera. Having taught himself to swim and handle boats as a young island boy, he believed that being a marine on the newly established force seemed to be a perfect fit. Mr. Farrington served on the force for two more years after the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo before resigning.

After leaving the Force, Mr. Farrington worked at the national flag carrier, Bahamasair, for twenty-four years. He currently resides in Eleuthera, Bahamas with his wife, and actively serves as an evangelist on the island.

Because of May 10th, 1980 The Flamingo Incident, can be purchased on Amazon or by contacting Mr. Cladwell Farrington at: farringtongenester020@gmail.com.