Bahamas News
Minister Moxey says new EMR police station evokes promise fulfilled
By ANDREW COAKLEY
Bahamas Information Services
EIGHT MILE ROCK, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey believes that as her ministry continues to partner with police officers of the Northern Division on several important projects through the ministry’s Collab partnerships for development unit, today’s society demands even more collaboration between law enforcement, their stakeholders and the entire community.
As such, she added that one of the greatest challenges to law enforcement is having the ability to act with predictability in an age of uncertainty, even as the police force’s strengths and limitations are both challenged. “Therefore, the tools necessary, the resources and the
functional work environment must be at your disposal,” she added. “As I look at this new complex, I believe it is fair to say that we are hitting the mark in this regard at the Eight Mile Rock Police station.
“The Ministry for Grand Bahama prides itself on the wonderful working relationship we have with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. And I’m delighted to be here to witness yet again, another promise being fulfilled.”
The Minister for Grand Bahama was the keynote speaker during the official opening and dedication of the new police station for West Grand Bahama, located in the Obadiah Wilchcombe Complex in Eight Mile Rock, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. On hand for the opening was Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Grand Bahama and the Northern District, Ms. Shanta Knowles, along with senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith.
The new, innovative police station replaces the smaller, older station that had been a part of the Eight Mile Rock community for decades. In fact, Minister Moxey, in her remarks, reflected on her memories of that old police station when she attended the primary school not too far from where the station is still located. She even remembered, by name, many of the police officers who served within the Eight Mile Rock constituency years ago.
“It would be remiss of me if I did not thank those hard-working men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their unwavering commitment to service,” said Minister Moxey. “In some instances, the situation was less than ideal, yet they showed up every single day and executed their duties.”
Minister Moxey commended ACP Shanta Knowles for “taking the bull by the horns” and immersing her team into the community of Grand Bahama. She thanked her for her leadership and the extraordinary work she has done as the first female assistant commissioner of police for the Northern Bahamas.
ACP Knowles, who also spoke at the event, noted that it was not just about the relocation of the Eight Mile Rock police station, but rather a bold declaration of progress and innovation and the police force’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of every Bahamian.
Ms. Knowles acknowledged that for many years, the old station at Bayshore road in Jones Town served as a cornerstone of the community, a navigational landmark, a place of refuge, where residents were able to go and find justice, guidance, support and direction.
“This new station is not just an upgrade in infrastructure, it represents the evolution of our dedication to fulfilling the core mission of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the maintenance of law and order, the preservation of peace, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders and enforcement of laws that guide our nation,” said ACP Knowles.
The new police station is not only larger in size and offers more space, but has been equipped with state-of-the-art resources and technology, which Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander is sure will be used to better serve the people of Eight Mile Rock and West Grand Bahama.
“I have no doubt that this new facility, with its updated resources and modern amenities will support our officers’ needs and enable them to perform their duties with greater efficiency, focus and professionalism,” said Commissioner Fernander.
“This new station represents more than just brick and mortar. It stands as a symbol of our renewed commitment to protecting and supporting the people of Eight Mile Rock, while strengthening the relationship of the diverse community we now serve. May this station stand as a beacon of protection, service and progress for the people of Eight Mile Rock for many years to come.”
PHOTO CAPTION
UNVEILS PLAQUE – Minister for Grand Bahama, THE Hon. Ginger Moxey unveils the plaque on the new Eight Mile Rock Police Station during official opening ceremonies on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in the Obadiah Wilchcombe Complex. Looking on is Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander (left) and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith.
CUTS RIBBON – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, along with police Commissioner Clayton Fernander (left) and MP Kingsley Smith prepare to cut the ribbon on the entrance of the new Eight Mile Rock Police Station located in the Obadiah Wilchcombe Complex, following official opening ceremonies on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Looking on at right is Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ms. Shanta Knowles.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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