The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe says the joint national security operation between The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands is in the best interest of the country despite criticism from some quarters.

About 20 Bahamian police officers have been sent to TCI to assist with its rise in crime.

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Munroe said of the joint effort: “The Ministry of National Security and its regional partners recognised the emerging national security threats developing across borders throughout the Caribbean. However, the government of The Bahamas remains resolved in our strategic approach to mitigating external factors influencing our ongoing challenge domestically.

“The government of Turks and Caicos remains a critical partner in ensuring our people’s shared safety and well-being. We are confident that with these joint security missions between both countries, we can deliver an aggressive and robust counter-offensive against organised crimes impacting both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.”

It was later revealed that Royal Bahamas Police Force officers were sent to TCI as part of this initiative.

There was some backlash to the announcement with some observers asking why the government would send police officers abroad while The Bahamas is grappling with a rise in murders and other violent crimes.

In response to the criticism, Mr Munroe said yesterday: “What’s the criticism? Does anybody know what they are going there to do? So, how can you criticise something if you don’t have a clue what their mission is?

“We have sent out a statement to show that it is a joint exercise, common sense would tell you that it’s something that is in the Bahamian national interest. If anybody believes that the Royal Bahamas Police Force shouldn’t act in the interest of The Bahamas, then that criticism is very easily answered,” he added.

Mr Munroe explained that the government would not “entertain” criticism that is not evidenced, or fact-based, as the operation’s details will not be disclosed due to the national security interests of both nations.

Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Clayton Fernander told reporters yesterday that based on intel, both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are facing similar crime trends.

“If everyone is paying attention you can see the same trend that is occurring in Turks Island, and we believe that based on our intel it could be some nexus,” he said.

Yesterday at the ceremony for the investiture of national honours, Commissioner Fernander also confirmed that about 20 officers were dispatched to Turks and Caicos for the joint operation.

Among them was Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendall Strachan who was sworn into the Turks and Caicos police force last week.

In a briefing posted to Facebook yesterday, TCI Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said the Bahamian officers are deployed on the streets in the force’s tactical unit and the response and operations unit.

“I believe the contingent from the Royal Bahamas Police Force will make a significant impact on policing operations,” Commissioner Botting said.

Following the announcement last week, many Bahamians took to social media to express their disapproval of the joint operation.

A Twitter user said: “Our police are too disgraceful and disrespectful to be (sent) to other places to represent our country.”

Another social media user said: “Can’t control the crime here (The Bahamas), but sending out officers to assist others.”

A Facebook user said: “Wait what? Why? Things are out (of) control here at home!”