Able Seaman Donald Neely of BahWEN and Constable Shawn Braithwaite of TBPS, recognized as the top prosecutors' team, with the Commandant of The Regional Police Training Centre, Mr. Rodney Archer.

August 6th – September 6th, 2024 — Able Seaman Donald Neely of the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN) has been recognized for his exceptional performance in the Court Prosecutors Course, held at the Regional Police Training College of The Barbados Police Service. Neely earned top honours as the best prosecutor, a recognition that underscores BahWEN’s dedication to cultivating a highly skilled and knowledgeable team as the agency prepares for its formal legal enactment by the end of this year.

Neely’s participation in this five-week intensive training exemplifies BahWEN’s strategic focus on developing officers who are fully equipped to handle the agency's expanded mandate, which includes prosecutorial powers. The course, covering critical areas such as Courtroom Procedures, Statutory Interpretation, and Prosecutorial Discretion, provided participants with the foundational and practical knowledge required to effectively prosecute cases—an essential element of BahWEN’s future operations.

Able Seaman Donald Neely, reflecting on his time in the program, shared: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge through this training. It’s been a challenging and rewarding journey working alongside regional law enforcement partners, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to further BahWEN’s mission of upholding environmental justice.”

As BahWEN approaches its official launch as a fully operational law enforcement agency with the power to prosecute, specialized training like the Court Prosecutors Course is vital to ensuring its officers are ready to lead in addressing environmental and natural resource violations.

Participants in the course were drawn from esteemed organizations across the region, including The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN), The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, and numerous others. The course provided a comprehensive curriculum, focusing on the Role and Function of Court Prosecutors, as well as essential skills like Public Speaking, Statutory Interpretation, and Debating. In addition, participants received hands-on experience through court observations and moot trials, mentored by the respected Honourable Justice Anthony L. Blackman.

The Honourable Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security, highlighted the significance of this training for BahWEN: “As BahWEN moves toward its formal establishment, this course plays a pivotal role in strengthening the agency’s capacity to confront environmental violations head-on. The ability to prosecute such crimes is not merely an operational necessity; it is essential to securing a safer and more sustainable future for The Bahamas.”

Desiree Corneille, Designated Lead of BahWEN, added: “This course represents a critical step in BahWEN’s evolution as a law enforcement agency, equipping our team with the legal expertise needed to fulfill our mission. By developing the skills to not only investigate but prosecute environmental crimes, BahWEN is positioning itself as a key protector of The Bahamas’ natural resources. Our officers are prepared to ensure that justice is served, contributing directly to the long-term sustainability of our environment.”

The Court Prosecutors Course has not only advanced BahWEN's prosecutorial capabilities but has also served as a pivotal moment in building a regional network of legal professionals dedicated to upholding justice. Through this collaborative effort, BahWEN and its regional partners are poised to make meaningful contributions to the legal frameworks within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring environmental offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Group photo of course participants with the Commandant of The Regional Police Training Centre, Mr. Rodney Archer, and Deputy Commandant, Mr. Lawrence Collymore.

#ProtectInvestigateEducate