Bahamas News
Prime Minister Opens the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Unit
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas –Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, as he officially opened the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Unit, declared that it is part of a broader strategy in the fight against such incidents. He made the statement in his Keynote Address delivered during the Official Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the facility on Infant View Road, in the Chippingham area.
The unit is outfitted with office spaces for administrative and counseling services, living quarters, kitchen, and children’s playroom, among other amenities.
“This unit is part of a broader strategy. It links to legislative reform, to increased support for shelters and safe housing, and to education that helps us prevent violence before it starts,” said the prime minister.
Also participating in the ceremony were: Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister; the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National
Security; Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles; Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, United States Embassy, Nassau; and Canon Stephen Davies, who performed the Blessing of the Building prior to the Unveiling of the Plaque. Partners in the initiative attended.
The prime minister spoke to the reality of domestic violence in the country. The prime minister pointed out that domestic violence lives in the homes and in communities, and in quiet places where people feel afraid, alone and unsure they would get help.
“Today, we take a step forward—not a fix, not a finish line, but a real step—in saying to the people who are hurting: we’re here, and we’re doing something about it,” assured the prime minister.
In this vein, he noted that the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is part of a commitment to respond differently. To do better, and to care more.
“This unit wasn’t created for statistics or for press releases. It was created for that woman who has packed and unpacked her bag a dozen times, trying to find the right moment to leave.
“It was created for the child who flinches at raised voices, because they’ve learned what comes next. It was created for the neighbour who’s heard the yelling through the wall and wondered whether to knock or stay quiet,” he said.
The prime minister however acknowledged that the government is not pretending the unit is the solution to everything.
“But we are saying that this is a country where your safety matters, your voice matters, and your pain will no longer be ignored,” he said. “This unit will be staffed by officers who have received specialist training—training not only in handling sensitive cases, but in how to respond with empathy, urgency, and care.”
He further explained that the officers would work hand-in-hand with social workers, shelters, and other partners such as The Bahamas Crisis Centre, so that survivors don’t have to repeat their stories, or feel like they’re navigating the system alone.
“And they will be held to a high standard—because the trust of survivors is something we must earn, and never take for granted,” the prime minister said.
He noted that the event was not about systems alone but about people.
“I’ve spoken to survivors. I’ve sat with women who’ve told me about the years they spent trying to smile through their pain—who stayed, not because they didn’t want to leave, but because they didn’t know if anyone would help them when they did,” he said. “And I’ve heard from officers—good officers—who said they wanted to help but weren’t always sure what steps to take, or whether the support system was in place for them to act.
“So we’re fixing that. Quietly. Carefully. Deliberately. Because we owe it to the people who trusted us once—and were let down—to make sure that never happens again.”
Speaking directly to those living with abuse, the prime minister assured them that they are not invisible, or alone. And, that there is help
with the establishment of the unit facilitated with systems, and a team to make it easier and safer for them to reach out
“To those who say nothing can really change—I understand the skepticism.
But let this Unit be a reminder: people are listening. The culture is shifting. And the institutions are catching up.
“To the officers who will staff this unit: you carry the hopes of many. You will meet people at their most vulnerable. You may be their first encounter with justice, or their last chance at hope. Treat them with care. Serve with pride. And know that you are doing something profoundly important,” the prime minister said.
He recognized his wife, whose advocacy sparked the flame for the unit, and the advocates and organizations “who’ve carried this burden for years—without recognition, without adequate funding, and often without sleep—thank you.”
The prime minister said this is about all, as he urged Bahamians to show up and make it known through words, systems, and culture that abuse has no home here.
“Let us be brave enough to talk about it, wise enough to prevent it, and strong enough to stop it. Because in the end, the mark of a good society is not how it treats the powerful—but how it protects the vulnerable,” the prime minister said.
(BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)
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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