Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, as he officially opened the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Unit, declared that it is part of a broader strategy in the fight against such incidents.

He made the statement in his Keynote Address delivered during the Official Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the facility on Infant View Road, in the Chippingham area. 

The unit is outfitted with office spaces for administrative and counseling services, living quarters, kitchen, and children’s playroom, among other amenities.

“This unit is part of a broader strategy. It links to legislative reform, to increased support for shelters and safe housing, and to education that helps us prevent violence before it starts,” said the prime minister.

Also participating in the ceremony were: Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister; the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security; Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles; Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, United States Embassy, Nassau; and Canon Stephen Davies, who performed the Blessing of the Building prior to the Unveiling of the Plaque. Partners in the initiative attended.

The prime minister spoke to the reality of domestic violence in the country. 

The prime minister pointed out that domestic violence lives in the homes and in communities, and in quiet places where people feel afraid, alone and unsure they would get help.

“Today, we take a step forward—not a fix, not a finish line, but a real step—in saying to the people who are hurting: we’re here, and we’re doing something about it,” assured the prime minister.

In this vein, he noted that the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is part of a commitment to respond differently.  To do better, and to care more.

“This unit wasn’t created for statistics or for press releases.  It was created for that woman who has packed and unpacked her bag a dozen times, trying to find the right moment to leave.

“It was created for the child who flinches at raised voices, because they’ve learned what comes next. It was created for the neighbour who’s heard the yelling through the wall and wondered whether to knock or stay quiet,” he said.

The prime minister however acknowledged that the government is not pretending the unit is the solution to everything.

“But we are saying that this is a country where your safety matters, your voice matters, and your pain will no longer be ignored,” he said. “This unit will be staffed by officers who have received specialist training—training not only in handling sensitive cases, but in how to respond with empathy, urgency, and care.”

He further explained that the officers would work hand-in-hand with social workers, shelters, and other partners such as The Bahamas Crisis Centre, so that survivors don’t have to repeat their stories, or feel like they’re navigating the system alone.

“And they will be held to a high standard—because the trust of survivors is something we must earn, and never take for granted,” the prime minister said.

He noted that the event was not about systems alone but about people.

“I’ve spoken to survivors. I’ve sat with women who’ve told me about the years they spent trying to smile through their pain—who stayed, not because they didn’t want to leave, but because they didn’t know if anyone would help them when they did,” he said. “And I’ve heard from officers—good officers—who said they wanted to help but weren’t always sure what steps to take, or whether the support system was in place for them to act.

“So we’re fixing that. Quietly. Carefully. Deliberately. Because we owe it to the people who trusted us once—and were let down—to make sure that never happens again.”

Speaking directly to those living with abuse, the prime minister assured them that they are not invisible, or alone. And, that there is help with the establishment of the unit facilitated with systems, and a team to make it easier and safer for them to reach out.

"To those who say nothing can really change—I understand the skepticism.

But let this Unit be a reminder: people are listening. The culture is shifting. And the institutions are catching up.

“To the officers who will staff this unit: you carry the hopes of many. You will meet people at their most vulnerable. You may be their first encounter with justice, or their last chance at hope. Treat them with care. Serve with pride. And know that you are doing something profoundly important,” the prime minister said.

He recognized his wife, whose advocacy sparked the flame for the unit, and the advocates and organizations “who’ve carried this burden for years—without recognition, without adequate funding, and often without sleep—thank you.”

The prime minister said this is about all, as he urged Bahamians to show up and make it known through words, systems, and culture that abuse has no home here.

“Let us be brave enough to talk about it, wise enough to prevent it, and strong enough to stop it. Because in the end, the mark of a good society is not how it treats the powerful—but how it protects the vulnerable,” the prime minister said. 

Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, as he officially opened the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Unit, declared that it is part of a broader strategy in the fight against such incidents. He made the statement in his Keynote Address delivered during the Official Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the facility on Infant View Road, in the Chippingham area.  The unit is outfitted with office spaces for administrative and counseling services, living quarters, kitchen, and children’s playroom, among other amenities. “This unit is part of a broader strategy. It links to legislative reform, to increased support for shelters and safe housing, and to education that helps us prevent violence before it starts,” said the prime minister. Also participating in the ceremony were: Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister; the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security; Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles; Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, United States Embassy, Nassau; and Canon Stephen Davies, who performed the Blessing of the Building prior to the Unveiling of the Plaque. Partners in the initiative attended. The prime minister spoke to the reality of domestic violence in the country.  The prime minister pointed out that domestic violence lives in the homes and in communities, and in quiet places where people feel afraid, alone and unsure they would get help. “Today, we take a step forward—not a fix, not a finish line, but a real step—in saying to the people who are hurting: we’re here, and we’re doing something about it,” assured the prime minister. In this vein, he noted that the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is part of a commitment to respond differently.  To do better, and to care more. “This unit wasn’t created for statistics or for press releases.  It was created for that woman who has packed and unpacked her bag a dozen times, trying to find the right moment to leave. “It was created for the child who flinches at raised voices, because they’ve learned what comes next. It was created for the neighbour who’s heard the yelling through the wall and wondered whether to knock or stay quiet,” he said. The prime minister however acknowledged that the government is not pretending the unit is the solution to everything. “But we are saying that this is a country where your safety matters, your voice matters, and your pain will no longer be ignored,” he said. “This unit will be staffed by officers who have received specialist training—training not only in handling sensitive cases, but in how to respond with empathy, urgency, and care.” He further explained that the officers would work hand-in-hand with social workers, shelters, and other partners such as The Bahamas Crisis Centre, so that survivors don’t have to repeat their stories, or feel like they’re navigating the system alone. “And they will be held to a high standard—because the trust of survivors is something we must earn, and never take for granted,” the prime minister said. He noted that the event was not about systems alone but about people. “I’ve spoken to survivors. I’ve sat with women who’ve told me about the years they spent trying to smile through their pain—who stayed, not because they didn’t want to leave, but because they didn’t know if anyone would help them when they did,” he said. “And I’ve heard from officers—good officers—who said they wanted to help but weren’t always sure what steps to take, or whether the support system was in place for them to act. “So we’re fixing that. Quietly. Carefully. Deliberately. Because we owe it to the people who trusted us once—and were let down—to make sure that never happens again.” Speaking directly to those living with abuse, the prime minister assured them that they are not invisible, or alone. And, that there is help with the establishment of the unit facilitated with systems, and a team to make it easier and safer for them to reach out.   "To those who say nothing can really change—I understand the skepticism. But let this Unit be a reminder: people are listening. The culture is shifting. And the institutions are catching up. “To the officers who will staff this unit: you carry the hopes of many. You will meet people at their most vulnerable. You may be their first encounter with justice, or their last chance at hope. Treat them with care. Serve with pride. And know that you are doing something profoundly important,” the prime minister said. He recognized his wife, whose advocacy sparked the flame for the unit, and the advocates and organizations “who’ve carried this burden for years—without recognition, without adequate funding, and often without sleep—thank you.” The prime minister said this is about all, as he urged Bahamians to show up and make it known through words, systems, and culture that abuse has no home here. “Let us be brave enough to talk about it, wise enough to prevent it, and strong enough to stop it. Because in the end, the mark of a good society is not how it treats the powerful—but how it protects the vulnerable,” the prime minister said. 

FIVE Bahamian men and two Colombian men were remanded in custody yesterday after being charged in connection with a $15.3m cocaine bust involving a crashed plane in Acklins last week.

Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux arraigned Bahamians Mickey Albert, 36; Jerry Pierre, 46; Chelsey Armaly, 54; Robert McSweeney, 46; and Demario Ferguson, 40, as well as Colombians Julio Alberto Casadiego, 63, and John Gomez Peña, 39, on multiple drug charges. These include two counts of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, and abetment to import dangerous drugs. A Spanish translator helped the two Colombian defendants, and Drug Enforcement Unit officers attended the arraignment. Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to import 1,982 pounds of cocaine and 50 pounds of hydroponic marijuana into The Bahamas between October 1 and December 6. On December 6, police reportedly seized these drugs — packaged in 24 multicolored bundles — from a crashed blue-and-white plane in Acklins. Although no one was arrested at the scene, all seven defendants were later taken into custody for their alleged involvement. The seized cocaine is estimated to be worth $15.3m, while the marijuana is valued at $50,000. The defendants were informed their case would proceed to the Supreme Court via a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI). Defence attorney Mark Penn argued that because the matter was “hybrid,” the magistrate could grant bail, but Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux advised the accused to seek bail before the higher court. Family members of the defendants, present in court, reacted audibly to the denial of bail. Defence attorney LaShona Knowles noted that Casadiego, Albert, Ferguson, and McSweeney have medical issues that prison authorities should address. She said Ferguson is asthmatic, suffers from high blood pressure, and requires a breathing machine. Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux assured that a prison physician would examine them. The defendants will remain at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the VBI is served on April 21, 2025. Attorney Alphonso Lewis also represented the accused.

Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux arraigned Bahamians Mickey Albert, 36; Jerry Pierre, 46; Chelsey Armaly, 54; Robert McSweeney, 46; and Demario Ferguson, 40, as well as Colombians Julio Alberto Casadiego, 63, and John Gomez Peña, 39, on multiple drug charges.

These include two counts of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, and abetment to import dangerous drugs.

A Spanish translator helped the two Colombian defendants, and Drug Enforcement Unit officers attended the arraignment.

Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to import 1,982 pounds of cocaine and 50 pounds of hydroponic marijuana into The Bahamas between October 1 and December 6.

On December 6, police reportedly seized these drugs — packaged in 24 multicolored bundles — from a crashed blue-and-white plane in Acklins.

Although no one was arrested at the scene, all seven defendants were later taken into custody for their alleged involvement.

The seized cocaine is estimated to be worth $15.3m, while the marijuana is valued at $50,000.

The defendants were informed their case would proceed to the Supreme Court via a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

Defence attorney Mark Penn argued that because the matter was “hybrid,” the magistrate could grant bail, but Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux advised the accused to seek bail before the higher court. Family members of the defendants, present in court, reacted audibly to the denial of bail.

Defence attorney LaShona Knowles noted that Casadiego, Albert, Ferguson, and McSweeney have medical issues that prison authorities should address.

She said Ferguson is asthmatic, suffers from high blood pressure, and requires a breathing machine. Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux assured that a prison physician would examine them.

The defendants will remain at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the VBI is served on April 21, 2025. Attorney Alphonso Lewis also represented the accused.

 

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey believes that as her ministry continues to partner with police officers of the Northern Division on several important projects through the ministry’s Collab partnerships for development unit, today’s society demands even more collaboration between law enforcement, their stakeholders and the entire community.

As such, she added that one of the greatest challenges to law enforcement is having the ability to act with predictability in an age of uncertainty, even as the police force’s strengths and limitations are both challenged. 

“Therefore, the tools necessary, the resources and the functional work environment must be at your disposal,” she added. “As I look at this new complex, I believe it is fair to say that we are hitting the mark in this regard at the Eight Mile Rock Police station.

“The Ministry for Grand Bahama prides itself on the wonderful working relationship we have with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. And I’m delighted to be here to witness yet again, another promise being fulfilled.”

The Minister for Grand Bahama was the keynote speaker during the official opening and dedication of the new police station for West Grand Bahama, located in the Obadiah Wilchcombe Complex in Eight Mile Rock, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  On hand for the opening was Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Grand Bahama and the Northern District, Ms. Shanta Knowles, along with senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith.

The new, innovative police station replaces the smaller, older station that had been a part of the Eight Mile Rock community for decades. In fact, Minister Moxey, in her remarks, reflected on her memories of that old police station when she attended the primary school not too far from where the station is still located. She even remembered, by name, many of the police officers who served within the Eight Mile Rock constituency years ago.

“It would be remiss of me if I did not thank those hard-working men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their unwavering commitment to service,” said Minister Moxey. “In some instances, the situation was less than ideal, yet they showed up every single day and executed their duties.”

Minister Moxey commended ACP Shanta Knowles for “taking the bull by the horns” and immersing her team into the community of Grand Bahama. She thanked her for her leadership and the extraordinary work she has done as the first female assistant commissioner of police for the Northern Bahamas.

ACP Knowles, who also spoke at the event, noted that it was not just about the relocation of the Eight Mile Rock police station, but rather a bold declaration of progress and innovation and the police force's unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of every Bahamian. Ms. Knowles acknowledged that for many years, the old station at Bayshore road in Jones Town served as a cornerstone of the community, a navigational landmark, a place of refuge, where residents were able to go and find justice, guidance, support and direction.

“This new station is not just an upgrade in infrastructure, it represents the evolution of our dedication to fulfilling the core mission of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the maintenance of law and order, the preservation of peace, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders and enforcement of laws that guide our nation,” said ACP Knowles.

The new police station is not only larger in size and offers more space, but has been equipped with state-of-the-art resources and technology, which Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander is sure will be used to better serve the people of Eight Mile Rock and West Grand Bahama.

“I have no doubt that this new facility, with its updated resources and modern amenities will support our officers’ needs and enable them to perform their duties with greater efficiency, focus and professionalism,” said Commissioner Fernander.

“This new station represents more than just brick and mortar. It stands as a symbol of our renewed commitment to protecting and supporting the people of Eight Mile Rock, while strengthening the relationship of the diverse community we now serve. May this station stand as a beacon of protection, service and progress for the people of Eight Mile Rock for many years to come.”

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey believes that as her ministry continues to partner with police officers of the Northern Division on several important projects through the ministry’s Collab partnerships for development unit, today’s society demands even more collaboration between law enforcement, their stakeholders and the entire community. As such, she added that one of the greatest challenges to law enforcement is having the ability to act with predictability in an age of uncertainty, even as the police force’s strengths and limitations are both challenged.  “Therefore, the tools necessary, the resources and the functional work environment must be at your disposal,” she added. “As I look at this new complex, I believe it is fair to say that we are hitting the mark in this regard at the Eight Mile Rock Police station.   “The Ministry for Grand Bahama prides itself on the wonderful working relationship we have with the Royal Bahamas Police Force. And I’m delighted to be here to witness yet again, another promise being fulfilled.”   The Minister for Grand Bahama was the keynote speaker during the official opening and dedication of the new police station for West Grand Bahama, located in the Obadiah Wilchcombe Complex in Eight Mile Rock, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  On hand for the opening was Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Grand Bahama and the Northern District, Ms. Shanta Knowles, along with senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith. The new, innovative police station replaces the smaller, older station that had been a part of the Eight Mile Rock community for decades. In fact, Minister Moxey, in her remarks, reflected on her memories of that old police station when she attended the primary school not too far from where the station is still located. She even remembered, by name, many of the police officers who served within the Eight Mile Rock constituency years ago. “It would be remiss of me if I did not thank those hard-working men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their unwavering commitment to service,” said Minister Moxey. “In some instances, the situation was less than ideal, yet they showed up every single day and executed their duties.” Minister Moxey commended ACP Shanta Knowles for “taking the bull by the horns” and immersing her team into the community of Grand Bahama. She thanked her for her leadership and the extraordinary work she has done as the first female assistant commissioner of police for the Northern Bahamas. ACP Knowles, who also spoke at the event, noted that it was not just about the relocation of the Eight Mile Rock police station, but rather a bold declaration of progress and innovation and the police force's unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of every Bahamian. Ms. Knowles acknowledged that for many years, the old station at Bayshore road in Jones Town served as a cornerstone of the community, a navigational landmark, a place of refuge, where residents were able to go and find justice, guidance, support and direction. “This new station is not just an upgrade in infrastructure, it represents the evolution of our dedication to fulfilling the core mission of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the maintenance of law and order, the preservation of peace, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders and enforcement of laws that guide our nation,” said ACP Knowles.   The new police station is not only larger in size and offers more space, but has been equipped with state-of-the-art resources and technology, which Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander is sure will be used to better serve the people of Eight Mile Rock and West Grand Bahama. “I have no doubt that this new facility, with its updated resources and modern amenities will support our officers’ needs and enable them to perform their duties with greater efficiency, focus and professionalism,” said Commissioner Fernander. “This new station represents more than just brick and mortar. It stands as a symbol of our renewed commitment to protecting and supporting the people of Eight Mile Rock, while strengthening the relationship of the diverse community we now serve. May this station stand as a beacon of protection, service and progress for the people of Eight Mile Rock for many years to come.”

A CROWD dashed for safety as gunshots rang out in the parking lot of the Nassau Street Magistrate's Court yesterday, where a man was shot multiple times and was taken to hospital where he is in serious, but stable condition.