Former Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson.
Former Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson has died, aged 96.
Trinidad-born Mr Thompson was 23 years old when he saw an advert in the Trinidad Guardian recruiting young men for the police force in The Bahamas. He later said it was the best decision of his life to apply for it.
Described at his 95th birthday celebration in 2022 by Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander as a “hero to our country” and a “legend” who has “made a huge impact” on many police officers, Mr Thompson was widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Bahamian police force both during his years of service and in retirement.
Among the changes he introduced was the ability for Bahamian officers to train overseas as part of efforts to improve the quality of the force, while he kept his Trinidadian connections alive by bringing musical artists from there to The Bahamas to perform.
Following his years in the police, he ran a private security company, while continuing to contribute to the debate on how to fight crime, both as a regular letter writer to The Tribune and as a trusted adviser to currently serving officers.
Mr Thompson, described as “the quintessential police officer”, died on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Sigh. Will miss his voice and contributions to social issues
John 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Such a great and peaceful person. With a passion for law and order to the end. May he test in peace.
TalRussell 1 month, 2 weeks ago
RIP, Commissioner Paul Thompson. --- I had but minutes before, left after dropping off legal papers and a box of Cuban cigars to my father's friend, Talbot “Stokes” Thompson residence -- Before the exchange of bullets between Comrade Policeman Courtney Strachan and "Stokes'". --- Paul Thompson was a member of the team policemans' at the scene during the shootout, resulting in the one death. --- Yes?
BONEFISH 1 month, 2 weeks ago
My condolences to his family on t his passing. Bahamian journalists outside of maybe Sir Etienne Dupuch are not writers,There are so many untold stories about the development of the Bahamas.Many young Bahamians are unaware of the fact that at one time, quite a number of police men were recruited from the English West Indies. The late Sir Lynden Pindling' s father came to the Bahamas from Jamaica to be a police man here.
jamaicaproud 1 month, 2 weeks ago
May his soul RIP. I heard many great things about him. Unfortunately some didn't consider him a "real ..."
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