Police officer: I didn't think I would survive gun attack

Superintendent Clayton Fernander with Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade. Photo: Kyle Smith/Tribune Staff.

As of Friday, April 19, 2013

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Superintendent Clayton Fernander did not believe he would survive a near death attack when two men, at point blank range, fired several shots at him outside his home.

In high spirits, expressing gratitude to all who offered support and at one point quoting scriptures, Mr Fernander said he was glad to be alive.

He was speaking to reporters just moments after returning home from the United States having undergone successful surgery on his right arm, which had been seriously injured.

“Thank God that I’m here,” Mr Fernander said, “and I am alive. It’s only through Him that I am here today. I want to give Him the honour and the praise at this time.

“I want to say that this is the time now that we need to come together as one (and) support the police force. We cannot sit back and let a few thugs take over this country we have a beautiful land.

“Some people died and never was able to see how people appreciate them. But I have seen it, the overwhelming support.”

And although doctors have said that Mr Fernander won’t be fully recovered before the end of the year, he said he felt he could return to work now.

“They said in the next six months or so (it should be healed) but I intend to cut it down to at least three months or so.

“Once I follow doctor’s orders (I can return to duty). They said it looks promising and I feel that I will be in full recovery with the help of the good Lord and continuous prayers.

“I believe I will be back.”

The senior officer was greeted by several high ranking officials, including Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade at Odyssey Aviation Bahamas near the Lynden Pindling International Airport. Mr Fernander thanked the RBPF and several others for dedicating countless hours to his well being.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force, headed by our esteemed Commissioner, they are my extended family. They were with me from day one and spent tireless hours to bring this matter to where it is.

“I am so overwhelmed and I am lost for words. This is what the Commissioner says ‘care, respect, and trust’ (means),” said Mr Fernander.

Honeybun 11 years ago

It's good to see that Superintendent Fernander is doing well and in great spirits... God is truly wonderful and awesome!

sansoucireader 11 years ago

So shocked watching last night's NB12 newscast to see Commissioner Greenslade remove his cap and rest his head on Superintendent Fernander's shoulder, and then front and centre in today's TRIBUNE and GUARDIAN. Commissioner Greenslade is the 'top cop' and I don't know about anyone else, but I think he has to look strong and confident everytime a camera is around. I don't see that in this photo. Maybe you should have run another photo. None of the other officers present acted that way, and seeing the Commissioner look like he was on the verge of tears didn't make this citizen feel safe at all. Sorry.

Shirley 11 years ago

@sansoucireader: Don't be ridiculous. Other than being the COP Greenslade is also a human being. Fernander is his friend and colleague who almost died last week. What you see displayed here is genuine love and affection for a brother. Nothing more, nothing less. It does not diminish Greenslade's position in any way. In fact, it shows that he has a heart.

sansoucireader 11 years ago

Honest not ridiculous. I think that 'Kodak moment' should not have been on the front page or tv screen especially for these young thugs and gangsters to see. Great to have a heart and be compassionate but when I saw him take off his cap and rest his head on Fernander's shoulder the only thought that went through my mind was, what, is he four?! His actions did not make me feel secure, and I really wish the newspapers had run another photo.

bismark 11 years ago

The commissioner is a human being also,if more people in position was as compassionate as him,we would have been better off.

leeza 11 years ago

Thats the problem we having with these young men right now they dont have any male figure who is secure enough in themselves to let their feeling flow. I see it as a sign of strength not weakness security not insecure. God Bless and keep all of the men and woman who on a daily basis put their lives on the line so that we can sleep an little easier at night.

TalRussell 11 years ago

Because you happen to wear the most power uniform in Bahamaland shouldn't prevent you from demonstrating raw emotions for one of your officers, who could have lost his life.

While there may be a small number of matters I have disagreed with the Commish on, I have never had reasons to question the commitment he has brought to performing the awesome responsibility, to protect our Bahamaland's peoples.

I am sure there is not an hour, minute or second that the Commish is not hoping the next ring of his telephone is not a voice on the other end to inform him that, yet again one of his officers has fallen victim to some thug's killer bullet..

While some of his policies may have indeed be seen by some of us to have their contradictions, this photo is not one of them.

John 11 years ago

I think the comissioner is coming to realize that he has a number os double agents (aka turncoats/toy cops/spy vs spy/cop for hire/police by day,criminal by nite/sell- out/cops- fo-r hire) on his force. Now that he has come into this reality and started to weed them out, we should start to see proper and effective policing again. Crime will decrease and the era of criminal notoriety will disappear. The police intelligence knows who the major and notorious criminals are in this country. When these persons are willing to gun down the top brass on the police force (or pay to have it done) it is time to stop playing dolly house with them and take them down by any means necessary. If we allow lawlessness and violent crime to slip too far then civil society will disappear.