Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister Minnis – Remarks at Official Opening of the Real Time Crime Centre at Police Headquarters
#BAHAMAS, March 29, 2021 – Ladies and Gentlemen: Good morning.
One of the more solemn obligations of a government is the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors, including protection from criminal activity and violence. In our country, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has been a shield and a protector for over 181 years of unbroken law enforcement service.
Over many generations, the Force has had to adapt and to embrace change to address old and emerging threats to public safety and law and order. There is a theory known as the “crime pattern theory” which notes that “crime will occur if an area provides the opportunity for crime…”
With this in mind, the Bahamas Government has invested many millions of dollars in crime prevention and detection initiatives. Today, we are unveiling another major investment with the inauguration of the Real Time Crime Centre.
The mission of the Real Time Crime Centre (RTCC) is to provide the police with the ability to capitalize on its wide and expanding range of technologies for efficient and effective policing.
In The Bahamas, we have integrated emerging technologies into our policing operations with the introduction of: ShotSpotter, Marco’s Alert Digital Billboards, drone technology, closed circuit television (CCTV), body-worn cameras, and dashboard cameras.
We have also upgraded and improved the Force’s information communications technology platform as we seek to deliver the best possible law enforcement policing services for the Bahamian public. There are currently over 500 CCTV cameras spread across the nation’s capital, with over 75 specifically trained on crime hotspots. Such efforts will allow law enforcement officers to respond quickly, or even immediately, to crimes in progress or to those that recently occurred.
ShotSpotter Technology is a revolutionary crime fighting initiative used to detect the exact location of gun fire occurring throughout targeted areas of New Providence. Since its inception in March of 2019, the “ShotSpotter” initiative has performed flawlessly. It has recorded well over 1000 gunshot incidents resulting in the detection of thousands of firearm rounds discharged throughout the Capital.
The Force invested over $700,000 on 200 body-worn and 200 dash cameras to accurately document police interactions with the public during arrests and critical incidents. The technology can be used as evidence for investigative and prosecutorial purposes as well as to provide feedback on best practices during evaluations and training.
Additional measures include a “Marco’s Alert”, which triggers an immediate and mandatory response to rescue a child who has been reported missing and if the Commissioner is satisfied that the child is at risk of harm or death.
Four digital billboards will facilitate the Marco’s Alert System to broadcast important messages about a missing child at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, the junction of Chippingham Road and West Bay Street, R.M. Baily Park, and S.C. McPherson School on Blue Hill Road.
Such technologies allow law enforcement officers to respond to crime events more efficiently, more deliberately, with improved operational intelligence and with a proactive emphasis on citizen, community and officer safety. These investments are geared toward keeping the Police Force on the cutting edge of crime fighting technologies. The Real Time Crime Centre will centralize a broad range of current and evolving technologies.
The Centre will coordinate assets and direct the attention of resources to:
• – high-crime areas;
• – active crimes in progress;
• – large-scale public events that may require law enforcement presence or response; and
• – high profile or highly repeat offenders in the community.
The Real Time Crime Centre will maximize the likelihood that members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force can respond to crimes occurring in real time and do so effectively. The Centre will serve as a launch pad for newly acquired remote controlled drone technology.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Royal Bahamas Police Force was recently recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police with a Leadership in Policing Award. It is our fervent expectation that the Royal Bahamas Police Force will continue to be a trailblazer and to offer world-class standards in policing service and initiatives.
These efforts will ensure that The Bahamas will remain and continue to develop as one of the best small countries in the world. I wish to close by thanking the leadership and officers of the Force for their commitment to duty and service. I especially thank the Force for its service during the COVID-19 pandemic. You have played a leading role as we have sought to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect the lives of our citizens and residents.
As we are gradually emerging from the worst public health crisis in 100 years, we must ever remember all of those who served on the frontlines of this ongoing national emergency.
On behalf of the Bahamian people and the Government of The Bahamas, I express abundant gratitude, and my own personal admiration and gratitude for all that you do.
As Bahamians like to say, we appreciate you!
May God continue to bless you all and may God bless our Bahamas.
Thank you and good morning.
Press Release: BIS
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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