#Nassau, September 27, 2018 – Bahamas – At the Funeral Service for the Late Police Inspector Carlis Ricardo Blatch, on September 26, 2018, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames saluted him and drew attention to other victims of violent crime.

“Inspector Blatch was a decent human being, a public figure, a Police Inspector and the Aide to the Governor General; and because of who he was in life, [it] bears witness to the widespread public attention garnered due to his untimely demise,” Minister Dames said, during the standing-room-only Service at the the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road. “The reality is that his death is no different from the many persons’ who have lost their lives in our nation as a result of violence.”

“If there is a silver lining to all of this, it is with hope that his untimely and brutal death has brought most needed focus to the incessant murders that have occurred in our nation over the last few decades,” he added. “Inspector Blatch’s death and the death of all of those voiceless Bahamians can only effect change if each of us here today makes a conscientious decision to play a renewed role in the nurturing of our children, especially our young men, with a view to putting an end to these senseless acts of violence.”

Minister Dames noted that while violent crime numbers, including murders, continue to trend downward thanks to the efforts of “our fine law enforcement officers,” there is still much work that remains.

“To my Parliamentary colleagues gathered here today, we as leaders must in all sincerity and with pure hearts, do more by way of example and deed for Inspector Blatch and all of those who have lost their lives to violence,” he said. “This, and only this, will help us to come to terms that all of these lives lost would not have been lost in vain.”

Policing is sometimes a thankless profession, Minister Dames pointed out.  He said: “When most are asleep in cozy beds, the Police are awake and alert, to save the lives of those they have never met; when others are engaged in celebratory activities, the Police are detailed for duty; while others don fancy suits and dresses, the Police don ‘war gear’ of ballistic vests and guns.

“An error in judgement in the line of duty, results in injuries and deaths,” he added. “When the Police tell their families, they will see them later, it is only through answered prayer that they do.  The Police are our friends; so, the next time we encounter a police officer, pause to reflect on the sacrifices they make each day. Some professions sacrifice time; other professions sacrifice resources; the Police may at times, sacrifice their lives.”

Minister Dames said that the cruel death of the Inspector Blatch, a 23-year veteran of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, is tragic on so many levels.

“It is tragic because the aspirations and potential of a promising professional, have been permanently deferred,” he said. “It is ironically tragic that the very oath, he swore to uphold, ‘to protect and serve’ is the very oath that betrayed him and took his life. It is even more painfully tragic that the children of this fallen officer, Carleisa, Cassandra, Carlissa and Carlis, Jr., will now be bereft of the guidance and support of their loving and attentive father.”

“This father, colleague, friend, sibling, son, dedicated his life to something bigger than himself. He dedicated his life to service, the service to his beloved country,” Minister Dames continued. “Although no sculptured monument will be erected in his honour, or engravings bear record of all his courageous deeds, he will be fondly remembered by the organization he served and the family and friends whom he loved.  The lasting legacy of the late Inspector Blatch are the memory of a good name and the rewards of the example that others may model.”

To Inspector Blatch’s family members, Minister Dames assured them through Biblical scripture that, as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they have nothing to fear.

He said: “Psalm 46:1-2 asserts that God will be your refuge and strength, your present help, during this sad time. Those who know God and accept God’s will as sovereign, can have joy even in the midst of suffering and death, because Scriptures assure us that even our suffering is not without purpose. For we know that ‘God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.’ – Romans 8:28.”

Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, at final farewell to late Aide-de-Camp, Inspector Carlis Blatch today at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, after his funeral at Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road. (Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Minister Dames also told Inspector Blatch’s family members that the country shares in their loss and, like them, all who knew him will miss “his unselfish devotion to family and country, his bravery and kindness exhibited in the line of duty, his vitality and endearing friendship.  But if the report of those who knew him well is true, then our loss, is Heaven’s gain,” Minister Dames said.

Minister Dames noted that Inspector Blatch had “fought and finished his race and now his reward awaits him.”

“In life, Inspector Blatch’s duty was to protect others; but today, he rests in the protective arms of our God,” Minister Dames said. “His detailed assignments on earth, have concluded and now the ‘Master of all good workmen, shall put him to work anew’.”

Minister Dames turned to Scripture at the end of his remarks, as he spoke to those who knew Inspector Blatch and his legacy.

“May we continue to be comforted by the words of the Apostle John, in Revelation 21:4 – God himself, ‘will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’.” he said. “May his soul rest in peace.”

By Eric Rose

Release: BIS

Photo Caption:  Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames speaks at the the Funeral Service for the Late Police Inspector Carlis Ricardo Blatch, on September 26, 2018, at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road.

(BIS Photos / Eric Rose)