While being careful not to respond directly to Prime Minister Perry Christie's comments that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force have allowed their "divisions" to hamper efforts to create a safer Bahamas, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said yesterday police officers have done "tremendously good work" and continue to do "everything we are paid to do".
As he addressed law enforcement officers gathered at the Caribbean-United States High-Level Citizen Security Dialogue at Atlantis resort last Thursday, Christie said he has to be subjected to "walking on egg shells when I want the madness on our streets to stop".
"In small countries, we do not have the right, when it comes to protecting the people of the country, to allow military lines and police lines and professional lines to divide us and prevent us from spontaneously and pragmatically shifting to the priority," Christie said. "Stop the madness."
Christie suggested there may be some reluctance to break tradition when it comes to the fight against crime.
When asked to respond to those comments, Greenslade said he is proud to lead an organization of decent, hard-working citizens, who turn up every day and sacrifice for the Bahamian people.
"I owe it to them to thank them. I owe it to them to cheerlead them. And I would invite the Bahamian public to do likewise," he said.
"These officers and their families sacrifice constantly. I cannot find it in me to speak a disparaging word about a police officer or any other law enforcement officer. We are doing everything we are paid to do. My policing plan is as clear as day. If you pick up my policing plan and you read it you will find clear indications of what we are doing.
"I am consistent with every single thing that I should be doing as commissioner. I have been totally respectful. I will continue to be respectful; there is no other way. I am never going to discourage the Bahamian public or cause anyone to misstep by demonstrating rudeness or disrespect for anyone in authority over me. That is never going to happen."
When asked whether he believes the blame is being laid at the feet of the RBPF, the commissioner said he cannot afford to be distracted.
"I am going to remain respectful to all and sundry and I have to ensure that my conversation is always above board and professional," he said
He was also asked about the morale of officers since the prime minister's remarks. Greenslade said he and his senior executive team do their best to support officers and "cheer each other on". He said the organization will remain focused, respectful and continue to work.
"The commissioner wants to continue to do police work," he said.
"I do not want to engage in any discussion that will distract me or cause any of the officers to be disrespectful or lose heart."
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