BAHAMAS: Review Committee to Investigate Security Issues Surrounding the Fatal Shooting of Defence Force Veteran at Government House

#Nassau, May 8, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames announced, Wednesday, May 8, 2019, that a Review Committee has been appointed to investigate security issues related to the recent fatal shooting of 30-year Royal Bahamas Defence Force Veteran, Petty Officer Philip Perpall, which occurred Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Government House. 

Petty Officer Perpall was reportedly on duty at the time of his demise.

Minister Dames said during the announcement at the Cabinet Office, “This Committee is being tasked with reviewing the incident and ultimately determining whether or not there were any breaches or failures in security at Government House during the morning of the incident.

“In order to address this incident in a transparent manner, I am appointing four eminently qualified professionals of noted and associated backgrounds to form the Review Committee which will conduct the inquiry with immediate effect.” 

The four Committee Members are:

1. Mr. Reginald Ferguson, QPM, Retired Commissioner of Police;

2. Mr. Roderick Bowe, Former Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Retired;

3. Mr. Douglas Hanna, Retired Superintendent of Police;

4. Mr. Paul Jones, Retired Police Officer and Attorney-at-Law.

The National Security Minister explained that the Review Committee, which has the full backing of the Government of The Bahamas, is being mandated to conduct its investigations over a two-month period, after which it will report its findings to be communicated to the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

He also noted that once the committee has completed its findings, it will be making recommendations for improvements and that is the main objective of this inquiry.

“Remember, the investigations behind Petty Officer Perpall have been concluded by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, so we want to keep that separate.”

Minister Dames said the committee members understand investigations, they bring law to the table, and they will assist in the work that has already commenced in relation to security at Government House and other government establishments.

By Llonella Gilbert

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames (centre) speaks with members of the Review Committee appointed to investigate security issues surrounding the recent fatal shooting of 30-year Royal Bahamas Defence Force Veteran, Petty Officer Philip Perpall, at the conclusion of a press conference at Cabinet Office, Wednesday morning, May 8, 2019.    

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)