#Nassau, May 8, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames announced, Wednesday, May 8, 2019, that a Review Committee has been appointed to investigate security issues related to the recent fatal shooting of 30-year Royal Bahamas Defence Force Veteran, Petty Officer Philip Perpall, which occurred Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Government House.
Petty Officer Perpall was reportedly on duty at the time of his demise.
Minister Dames said during the announcement at the Cabinet Office, “This
Committee is being tasked with reviewing the incident and ultimately
determining whether or not there were any breaches or failures in security at
Government House during the morning of the incident.
“In order to address this incident in a transparent manner, I am
appointing four eminently qualified professionals of noted and associated
backgrounds to form the Review Committee which will conduct the inquiry with
immediate effect.”
The four Committee Members are:
1. Mr. Reginald Ferguson, QPM, Retired Commissioner of
Police;
2. Mr. Roderick Bowe, Former Commander of the Royal
Bahamas Defence Force, Retired;
3. Mr. Douglas Hanna, Retired Superintendent of Police;
4. Mr. Paul Jones, Retired Police Officer and
Attorney-at-Law.
The National Security Minister explained that the Review
Committee, which has the full backing of the Government of The Bahamas, is
being mandated to conduct its investigations over a two-month period, after
which it will report its findings to be communicated to the people of the
Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
He also noted that once the committee has completed its findings, it
will be making recommendations for improvements and that is the main objective
of this inquiry.
“Remember, the investigations behind Petty Officer Perpall have been
concluded by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, so we want to keep that separate.”
Minister Dames said the committee members understand investigations, they
bring law to the table, and they will assist in the work that has already
commenced in relation to security at Government House and other government
establishments.
By Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames (centre) speaks with members of the Review Committee appointed to investigate security issues surrounding the recent fatal shooting of 30-year Royal Bahamas Defence Force Veteran, Petty Officer Philip Perpall, at the conclusion of a press conference at Cabinet Office, Wednesday morning, May 8, 2019.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)