The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE change in the Police Act, that took away security of tenure from the Commissioner was a major mistake made by the former government. At the time I had criticised the move in a letter to The Tribune. I had pointed out that the change would make the Commissioner of Police beholden to the politicians in power as they were the ones, who dictates and controls the security of his position. It was my opinion at that time that the Police Staff Association should have challenged the change and taken lawful steps to prevent it from occurring. At least an effort should have been made.

Prior to Independence we had the British Commissioners, who has security of tenure. There was no need for the Commissioners to fear the politicians. We performed our duties without fear of reprisals from politicians.

During the governance of the Bay Street Boys and the United Bahamian Party detectives were sent to the Eastern District to investigate reports of election bribery, involving Sir Roland Symonette. Frank Russell, a former Officer of the London Metropolitan Police was in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department. It was apparent that he had received reports, that we were harassing voters in the Eastern District to acquire information about bribery in the elections. We focused our efforts on cash and for votes and favours with regards to mortgages. In a meeting with Mr Russell he commended us for our performance in the field and informed us, that our efforts were putting fear in some persons, who had complained to the English Commissioner of Police. I was sent to Abaco on a similar investigation, which resulted in the arrest of Mr. Frank Christie, UBP politician, who was charged and prosecuted for election bribery.

During the governance of the Progressive Liberal Party, there were the investigations conducted against Sir Randol Fawkes, who was arrested and charged with Sedition. At the time Mr Fawkes was the Labour Leader and a strong supporter of the PLP. There were investigations against two PLP Members of Parliament, who were involved in fraudulent and criminal activities at the National Insurance Board and the Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation. The Superintendent CID directed me to conduct these investigations. The Members of Parliament were arrested and charged before the courts. There was never any concern about reprisal.

The British Commissioners and later the Bahamian Commissioners all had security of tenure. There was no need to be concerned about the politicians. In the case of the Member of Parliament, who attempted to bribe a Magistrate, detectives conducted the needed surveillance exercise and investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the Member of Parliament, who was a member of the governing party.

As Police Officers and Public Servants our training at home and abroad committed us to supporting the policies of the Government of the Day. However, what the Police Commissioner discloses to the politicians must never be detrimental to the outcome of any investigation or hazardous to personnel conducting investigations or any police operations. Police to police cooperation internationally was always great, in particular with the United States, Canada and Jamaica. We worked secretly on information involving a boat load of ganja at Eleuthera, which was for sale. The DEA and CID were able to arrange for the sale and the arrests of all persons involved, which included close relatives of a Government Minister.

The criticism of a Commissioner of Police, who did not disclose to a former Minister of National Security that there were persons employed in the airport, who were suspected of being involved in the export of narcotics and that these persons were being sent to South Florida for training. The persons were arrested in South Florida, where law enforcement agencies had the evidence required for the prosecution of these persons. The Commissioner of Police was under heavy fire from politicians for not disclosing to his Minister that these persons were engaged in criminal activities at the airport. Politicians, some media personnel and even a former Commissioner of Police were of the opinion, that the arrests of these persons in South Florida were of international security interest and the Commissioner should have informed the Minister of the investigation and pending arrests. I supported the Commissioner of Police in keeping the operation secret to accomplish the desired result – exposing the criminal activity in our airport, resulting in the arrests.

We have a Commissioner of Police, who has distinguished himself to be a man of integrity, a decent hardworking man, who has been well trained and has the experience coming up through all the ranks and educating himself for the job. His performance thus far has been magnificent. He has been able to continue the rebuilding of morale and discipline started by Paul Farquharson. He has been able to continue the socialization and public relations exercises. He is a student of technology and the Force has benefited from his knowledge. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has improved under the management of the Commissioner and his executive staff. Prisons overcrowded, Courts having difficulty coping with the number of trials and most importantly the attacks on illegal firearms and drugs.

It is hoped by many of us, that the Deputy Prime Minister’s promise to revoke the act as it is related to the Commissioner’s tenure will be done before the end of 100 days. Let the Commissioner perform his duties and responsibilities without Fear.

We served with honour – we remember with pride.

PAUL THOMPSON SR.,

Nassau,

July 2012.