Bahamian-TCI named Miami Beach Police Chief

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#USA, September 9, 2023 – A Bahamian with Turks and Caicos heritage has become the first Black man to head the Miami Beach Police Department.

Newly minted Police Chief Wayne Jones made history on Thursday, August 31st, when he was sworn in as the first black man in the city’s position in its century-long history.

In a ceremony live-streamed by the Police Department, Jones was pinned by his father and swore an oath to protect the people of ‘the coolest city in America.’

The ceremony was attended by a host of Bahamian-Americans in top positions including Frederica Wilson, US Congresswoman and Shervin Jones, Member of the Florida Senate.

Glendon Hall, Chair of the City Miami Beach Black Advisory Board reminded Jones that his ancestors had a part in making Miami what it was.

“Black Bahamian hands built this city, Black culture made Miami Beach cool from Willa Fitzgerald to Prince, so don’t ever let anybody tell you that you don’t belong here.”

Jones was welcomed with a standing ovation. He’s been on the job for 27 years now and served directly under the former police chief. During his speech, he outlined a suite of items that he wanted to tackle including: Gender equality in the force; Drugs and human trafficking; Spring break violence that plagues the community each year, and more.