Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Dames Lauds ShotSpotter Contract Signing
#Nassau, January 24, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames said the signing between The Bahamas Government and ShotSpotter Technology was evidence of the Government’s 
commitment towards fulfilling its promise to equip The Bahamas’ law enforcement agencies with the best available technologies, to assist in the protection of citizens, visitors and national security.
“When we came into office 20 months ago we immediately recognised the challenges faced and we remained focused on our commitment as a new Government to explore all measures possible, to assist in the reduction of the unacceptable levels of crime and to return our communities to sanctuaries of peace,” Minister Dames said during the contract signing ceremony held at the SLS Baha Mar on January 23, 2019.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis also brought remarks at the ceremony. Among those present included a number of Cabinet Ministers, Senators and Members of Parliament; Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson; Deputy Commissioner Emrick Seymour and other senior police officers; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel; Acting Commissioner of Correctional Services Charles Murphy; U.S. Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers Stephanie Bowers and Deputy Chief of Missions Jamie Martin; and a number of senior Government officials.
Acting Permanent Secretary Eugene Poitier signed the contract on behalf of the Bahamas Government with Gary Bunyard, Senior Vice President Public Safety, ShotSpotter Technology, representing the company.
There were also displays showcasing a number of crime-fighting initiatives being implemented by the Police Force.
Minister Dames said the Government understood that any successful crime strategy must focus on a number of points, including the following: a well-trained and motivated Police Force; a Police Force that is respected by and is committed to the building of genuine partnerships with the communities it is mandated to serve; a Police Force that understands the importance of multi-agency relationships to the overall success in the crime fight; and the enactment of modern crime legislation to support the overall crime effort.
Also of importance, he continued, were adequate human resources consistent with population growth, national development and increased crime trends; the acquisition of modern equipment to ensure that officers are able to 
provide timely service to the communities they serve; and the use of modern and innovative crime fighting technology to assist in the overall crime fight.
“This afternoon, our Government is pleased to have you here to witness the official signing of the ShotSpotter contract between the Government of The Bahamas and ShotSpotter Technology, SST,” Minister Dames. “This contract signing is a testament to our Government’s pledge to deliver on one of the promises outlined in our Party’s Manifesto: gunshot detection devices.”
Minister Dames stated that the Government was, indeed, pleased to be partnering with ShotSpotter Technology to introduce this technology to The Bahamas.
“We have completed sufficient research and are satisfied that this technology will assist us in reducing the high numbers of gun related crime in The Bahamas,” Minister Dames said. “There is numerous evidence in the United States where this technology is aiding in the reduction of gunshot violence in high volume crime cities such as Chicago, where police are reporting double digit decreases in murders and shootings.”
Minister Dames noted that according to Fox News Channel in 2018, the city of Chicago saw a 43 per cent drop in shootings in 2017 and largely credited the drop in violent crime in dangerous neighbourhoods, such as Englewood, due to the use of its ShotSpotter technology.
“A CNN report this month states that homicides have dropped for a second year in a row due to data driven policing combined with technology such as crime cameras and gunshot detection systems,” he pointed out. “Forbes online edition reported that in 2017 in Fresno, California a gunman walked up to a Pacific and Electric Gas Truck and shot to death the employee inside.
“A ShotSpotter control room nearly 200 miles away detected the gunfire and alerted the police. Three people were killed by the gunman but he was in custody within four minutes and 13 seconds. The gunman fired 17 rounds and had lots more left but according to Police Chief Jerry Dyer and I quote: ‘That he did not kill other people was thanks to the ShotSpotter technology’, end quote.”
Minister Dames explained that in 2018, Police Commissioner Ferguson led a team to Miami Dade and Miami Gardens Police Departments and saw first-hand the ShotSpotter Technology in use.
“We ourselves have seen a 25 per cent reduction in homicides in 2018 thanks to the men and women of The Royal Bahamas Police Force,” Minister Dames said. “This ShotSpotter Technology will only bolster the strategic efforts of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to combat gun-related crime and further aid in the reduction of crime in our country.”
He added: “In closing, as the Minister responsible for National Security, I would like to reinforce our Government’s commitment to the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas that we will remain steadfast and driven in our continued efforts to reducing the level of crime in our country and keeping our citizens safe.”
By: Eric Rose
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames speaks during the Contract Signing Ceremony with ShotSpotter Technology at SLS Baha Mar on January 23, 2019.
(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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