![](/wps/wcm/connect/26b625d1-c180-4754-ab2a-ba56ed75d834/coat_of_arms.png?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=26b625d1-c180-4754-ab2a-ba56ed75d834)
Authored by: | Eric Rose |
Source: | Bahamas Information Services |
Date: | July 6, 2020 |
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Recruit Passing Out Ceremony for Squads C, D and E, on July 2, 2020, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin H. Dames congratulated the 77 males and 23 females for achieving one of their “life’s goals of becoming members of a very proud and historic organisation – the Royal Bahamas Police Force”.
“Graduating recruits, I want to publicly commend you for your P.R.E.S.S. -- Pursuing, Revolutionary, Engagement to Better Serve Society -- as your theme so proudly articulates,” he said, during the ceremony at the Police College, on University Boulevard. “Months ago when you left your loved ones, at home, and entered these gates you could not have dreamt that you were entering into a new normal resulting from the current Coronavirus pandemic and that you would be on full lockdown for the entire duration of your training, with no weekend passes.”
“But, let me assure you that you were not alone because just less than 14 days ago, I had the pleasure of addressing 55 of your counterparts from A and B Squads on Grand Bahama,” he pointed out. “They too, were faced with the same outlook as you were and while I assumed they enjoyed their time in training, they looked forward with great exuberance to being set free from the incessant grips of their instructors.
“I think it is safe to say that you do as well – not that you do not love them – but when it is time to go – it’s time to go. There are some here today who cannot wait to get with you – if you know what I mean. So today, I am extremely proud that each of you have persevered and will reap the rewards of your tenacity and forbearance.”
Among those present included Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield; Minister of Social Services and Urban Development the Hon. Frankie Campbell; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Marco Rolle; Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle and his Senior Executive Team; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Captain Raymond King; Commissioner of Correctional Services Charles Murphy; Comptroller of Customs Dr. Geannine Moss; Immigration representatives; members of the Judiciary; dignitaries; senior public officers; Divisional Commanders and other members of the RBPF, and specially-invited guests.
Minister Dames noted to the graduating recruits that they were graduating at a time when The Bahamas and the rest of the world were in the midst of “the greatest health crisis of our time – the Covid-19 Pandemic”. Frontline workers played a very pivotal role in ensuring the safety of every resident and maintaining equilibrium throughout society, he added.
“As each of you have been given the consent of the Bahamian people to serve in your capacity as peace officers, it is expected therefore that as you go about in the execution of your duties, that you should never forget that you serve at the pleasure of the people by whose consent you have been called upon to serve,” Minister Dames said.
Minister Dames stated that the RBPF had taken a position to improve on its delivery of service to its customers – The Bahamian people.
“Having just tabled the Commissioner’s Policing Plan for 2020, I can say that Commissioner Rolle’s seven priorities are consistent with today’s theme,” he said. “Please permit me to focus briefly on two of these priorities highlighted in the Commissioner’s Policing Plan 2020, namely Priority 6: Internal Service Delivery; and Priority 7: Technology and Police Operations.”
Minister Dames noted that, globally, the profession the graduates had chosen also finds itself at a crossroads, as the contract between the police and its citizenry agreed upon from the establishment of modern policing has been broken.
“Public trust in the police has been eroded – the events around the world in recent times is evidence that we are at a tipping point,” he pointed out. “The public is demanding greater accountability, oversight and transparency in policing.”
He added: “You newly minted officers are joining this noble profession at a very crucial yet interesting time – you are at the cusp of change – you can become change agents and difference makers! You are afforded the opportunity to lead this noble profession into a bold new era – one which will reestablish the trust that had been broken between your profession and the people with whose consent you are called upon to serve – the public.”
Minister Dames said that, as they officially begin their careers as police officers, he admonished each graduate to uphold the organisation’s motto of Courage, Integrity, Loyalty.
“I enjoin and charge you to uphold the highest standards of good conduct and respect throughout your careers,” he said.
Minister Dames also reiterated the investment by our Government in technological advancements for the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
“To-date, I am pleased to advise that $17.7 million has been invested in acquisition of the Bahamas Unmanned Aerial Systems, or drones; about $700,000 in Body Worn and Dash Cameras; $1.9 million for ShotSpotter gun detection technology; and roughly $5.9 million for the expansion of Closed Circuit Television, just to name a few,” he said. “The acquisition of these technologies will position this Police Force as a global leader in the field of policing but more importantly it will allow the organisation to better serve those they are called upon to protect.”
Minister Dames told the graduating recruits that they had undisputedly demonstrated that they have the wherewithal to endure the rigours of physical and mental training.
“You were trained by the finest instructors in the Police Force and they, like all of us, expect you to give no less than your best, every day you report for duty,” he said.
“In closing, I would like to thank the Commandant, the hardworking staff of the Police College and lastly the families of the recruits for your unwavering support,” Minister Dames added. “They will need you even more moving forward.”
“I congratulate you for your decision to serve our nation by joining the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Welcome,” he said. “May God bless you all and may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
Minister of National Security the Hon, Marvin Dames speaks, during the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Recruit Passing Out Ceremony for Squads C, D and E, on July 2, 2020, at the Police College. (BIS Photos / Eric Rose)
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