Bahamas News
GB Police to Acquire More Officers and Vehicles to Continue Crime Fight in Northern Bahamas
#Freeport, GB – January 15, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames said provisions have been made for the addition of 30 new officers for Grand Bahama during this fiscal period.
“It is our hope that those individuals, once identified, will commence training sometime during the end of next month,” he added. “This is consistent with our manpower audit and our Government’s efforts to address the severe manpower shortage within the constable ranks of the police force.”
The Minister’s remarks came during the Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service and Parade, which was held at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
The service was well-attended by rank and file members of the armed forces, including police, defence force, immigration, customs and prison officers.
In giving the keynote address Minister Dames told law enforcement officers and others in attendance that in addition to the new officers expected to be added to the ranks, the police force is looking forward to the opening of the new ultra-modern 14,000 square-foot police station in Eight Mile Rock, which is scheduled to open at the end of this quarter.
He continued: “The Cabinet allocated $5.9 million dollars for a new police fleet, of which you would have already received nearly 30 new police vehicles and motorcycles in 2018. In the first quarter of this year the island is expected to receive more new vehicles and motorcycles which will increase officers’ visibility and improve response times to the residents of Grand Bahama.”
The National Security Minister noted that in a world of technological advances, his government is fully committed to modernizing the Royal Bahamas Police Force to ensure that it keeps pace and remains on the cutting edge of policing in this 21st century.
As a result, he pointed out that within the first quarter of this year drone technology will be a reality in The Bahamas and Grand Bahama, and the Northern Bahamas will figure prominently in use of this equipment.
“The program will be a multi-law enforcement agency initiative,” added Minister Dames. “This new crime fighting strategy is just one of the new operational exercises designed to keep Grand Bahama, by extension the entire Bahamas, safer.
“Some of the other technologies that will be introduced this fiscal period include shot spotter (gunshot detection technology), CCTV expansion, and bodycams. Our official contract signing for shot spotter is scheduled for next week. As a matter of note, Grand Bahama can expect to see all of these technologies in strategic areas on this island during 2019. That is a promise that your government is expected to deliver on!”
Minister Dames told law enforcement officers that the government understands that in the dynamic and constantly changing field of law enforcement, training and education are essential.
What’s more, he noted that the Bahamian police force is filled with many talented officers who have the capacity to, one day, lead the organization and that succession planning is a key component of any progressive organization.
Towards this end, Minister Dames said that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed shortly with the University of The Bahamas and the Ministry of National Security, in partnership with City University of New York/John Jay College of Criminal Justice, one of the top schools for criminal justice in the United States.
The MOU will facilitate two professional certification programs inclusive of Law Enforcement Management and Law Enforcement Leadership,” added Minister Dames. “This new Management and Leadership Program is geared towards mid-level and senior law enforcement officers across the country.
“Specific courses of study will include Management, Finance and Budgeting, and Human Resources. The goal is that over the next three to five years, each law enforcement agency will have a cadre of competent officers from which a new generation of leaders can be selected.
“Officers we are now moving into an era of merit-based promotion. This is exciting because what it means, therefore, is that every officer in uniform regardless of rank — if he or she remains true to their calling and driven to be the best that they can be, they can achieve almost anything they put their minds to including, becoming Commissioner of Police, Commodore of the Defence force or Commissioner of Corrections. You no longer have to concern yourself with being the boss’s ‘boy or girl’, the primary requirement will be service to country.”
By Andrew Coakley
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames addressed officers during the Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service, which took place on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God.
Insert: The Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service and Parade, held at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God on Sunday, January 13, 2019, was well-attended by the rank and file of law enforcement. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest and Mrs. Turnquest; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames; and Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson and Mrs. Thompson.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
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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