Minister looking forward to the day when a woman runs Bahamas police force

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames at Monday's ceremony for the first cohort to complete the first phase of the Georgia International Law Enforcement Leadership Programme. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff

As of Tuesday, May 7, 2019

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday he is “all about gender equality” adding he looks forward to the day a woman could one day “take the helm” of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. However, Mr Dames could not speak to whether a woman is currently in the running for the position of RBPF deputy commissioner.

The National Security Minister made these comments on the sidelines of a ceremony at police headquarters, as he addressed both women in the force and the line of succession of law enforcement agencies.

On May 2, the RBPF announced former Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle was appointed to the position of acting deputy commissioner of police. Acting Deputy Commissioner Rolle, who has served on the force for 36 years, was made head of the Anti-Corruption Unit of the RBPF in 2017, leading investigations into high-profile corruption allegations.

When asked who will lead the unit in the wake of ADC Rolle’s promotion, Mr Dames underscored the importance of succession planning. “Well this is what succession planning is all about,” Mr Dames said. “So this will be an ongoing process. We talked about building capacity, we talked about building a robust succession planning model for our agencies. We have competent officers in uniform on the [RBPF] who are more than capable of assuming these positions. We just have to work to prepare more to bring others up to that level.”

Mr Dames added he spent more than two decades on the police force, eventually serving as deputy commissioner himself before leaving the force.

“They had to find another one,” he said. “Life goes on.”

When asked how soon it will be before there is a female commissioner or deputy commissioner, Mr Dames replied: “Well I hope soon.”

“We have to prepare everybody,” he continued. “And may the best person win. And so, gender equality - listen, I grew up in a household where there were 12 of us. Eight girls, four boys. So I’m all about gender equality. We have some fine women officers in these agencies. And I look forward to the day that one of them could possibly take the helm.

“Of course, we’re working towards that. We’re looking for the brightest and the best. And if the brightest and the best is a female, more power.”

However, when asked if a woman is a contender for the post of deputy commissioner, Mr Dames said: “I don’t know. I don’t have the answer to that right now.”

Editorial View - Page 4

joeblow 4 years, 11 months ago

It would be nice just to have someone competent for a change!

John 4 years, 11 months ago

When you wanna see the level of corruption in this country go to traffic court and watch the bald head prosecutor giving the police witnesses hand signals while the magistrate watching the two of them and ainn doing nuttin But it’s da people’s time corruption still

John 4 years, 11 months ago

Dumb ness if you say there is gender equality then wat difference should it make if a male or female running the force? Dumb stuff

ashley14 4 years, 11 months ago

Your right! I believe behind every strong man is a strong woman. We’re not second class citizens, but military jobs and politics I just don’t know. Even women on the police force certainly can do the job, but God didn’t give us the strength of men. Certainly there are exceptions.

ashley14 4 years, 11 months ago

I would like to add something that I hope you would understand. The Bible says that the man is the head of the house. This is true, it doesn’t mean that the man is controlling. In a perfect relationship the man loves his wife so much that he runs the finances and the house with love and compassion. In return the woman supports her husband with respect, love and compassion. It doesn’t mean the husband does anything he wants while the wife is at home taking care of the kids and house. We both need to be the others soft place to fall.

Chucky 4 years, 11 months ago

throw your bible in the garbage, it's old junk written by people from 2000 years ago who thought witches were real, and the weather was controlled by weather gods, and the earth was flat. It's kinda outdated dogma. Anything done for religious reasons means more if its truly worth doing, and is done because you believe in it, rather than because "the bible says so". The bible as a source for morals is one thing, but if its your only excuse for doing something your are an unguided sole!

joeblow 4 years, 11 months ago

... guessing you are unfamiliar with its prophetic, archaeological and historical insights?

Chucky 4 years, 11 months ago

What a backwards comment. Why would any thinking person suggest they look forward to any particular gender filling any particular role; how about looking forward to having the most qualified person, and given the role mentioned why not also hope for an honest hardworking and not politically motivated person.

Hoping for a particular gender is a fools comment

tetelestai 4 years, 11 months ago

...sigh...ok, I will bite. I guess you missed the part where Dames clearly said, "may the best person win." Sure doesn't sound to me that he is suggesting that someone other than the most qualified person gets the job. But, go ahead, Chucky, continue to with your angry and illogical monologue.

Chucky 4 years, 11 months ago

Hoping for a particular gender is a fools comment

Gender equality means the door is open for all to compete for the opportunity. Gender equality does not equate to equal representation in outcome, I.e. same number of women as men in every profession regardless of skill or experience.

This politically correct garbage will lead to our downfall if not kept in check.

OriginalBey 4 years, 11 months ago

Well said!

bogart 4 years, 11 months ago

VERY GOOD..Chucky....ya picked up on that...that smaller numbers of females...should be just as good or if better..and likely highly superiority skills clawed doubly hard working upwards........but seems there are Godfathers or alliances ...cliques..something there...within males.....affects all these decades females having the top spot......or even close to the top spot.......

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