NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government has earmarked $8.5 million to further combat crime over the next six months, the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announced at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service on Sunday, January 9, 2011.
He said the funds will go toward purchasing three additional police squads; increase in the enrolment of Police Cadet Programme in New Providence to 72 and the introduction of the programme in Grand Bahama.
The funds will also be used to purchase additional police vehicles and motorcycles for New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands; and to further invest in crime scene investigation technology and communications equipment.
“The year 2010 has been one of challenge, when violent crime affected the very foundations of our communities and our country. The level of crime and criminality, and the fear of crime have been unacceptably high. In the case of murder, it claimed the lives of 94 persons,” Mr. Symonette said.
He told members of the uniformed branches assembled at Christ Church Cathedral to be inspired by the message of hope and of God’s word that these negative trends can be reversed and set the country back on track in 2011.
“The courage, strength, resilience and professionalism of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has been tested,” Mr. Symonette said.
“My observations and those of the Government and all law abiding citizens and residents of The Bahamas are that you remain committed and determined to ensure that The Bahamas is a place where all can live in peace.
“The criminals will be defeated and you have the full support of all good people as you carry our your mandate.”
Turning to the service rendered by the police, Mr. Symonette said there has been an unacceptable level of complaints coming from the public in this area; given the technology and resources provided by the government. Far too many reports indicate that police officers refer the public to other officers of divisions to have their concerns addressed, he said. And in this vein, he advised that all senior officers would be held accountable for ensuring that the concerns of the public are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
“The Government of The Bahamas will insist on even greater accountability from all arms of the Police Force. When something goes wrong, we find out why it went wrong. That is what Bahamians expect from us – that is what we have an obligation to deliver – and that is what exactly we will do,” Mr. Symonette said.
He then called for a renewed effort to prevent crime and to bring perpetrators to justice. He also asked for each officer to take responsibility by speaking up and speaking out and by making a positive contribution to the fight against crime.
“I commend the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the innovative crime fighting initiatives that you continue to take and especially for the Force’s success rate in the apprehension of criminals.
“The Force is also to be commended for giving renewed impetus to police-community partnerships in the fight against crime. It is noteworthy that training, retraining and the expansion of the force continues to be a priority,” Mr. Symonette said.
He added that there is no higher priority than maintaining law and order and ensuring the peace and security of the country. Hence, the government is committed to making communities more safe and secure.
“Above all, I wish to ensure the police that the government is committed to providing the necessary resources to enable police officers to effectively do their job,” Mr. Symonette said.
He challenged the Police Force to recommit themselves to higher standards; and encouraged them to meet the expectations of the people to do its job without fear or favour.
“I urge you to talk to and treat people with respect, no matter what their status in life. As the responsibility to preserve the peace and maintain law and order is in your hands, you must remain cognisant that no one is above the law,” Mr. Symonette said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
