MINISTER OF HEALTH VISITS BIMINI

Dr The Hon Hubert Minnis, Minister of Health for The Bahamas, visited Bimini recently together with a team from his ministry including officials from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Environmental Health. Protocol and security services were provided by the Royal Bahamas Police. The brief one day visit included meetings with local officials and local employees of the Ministry of Health. The group toured the North and South Bimini, visited Holy Name Catholic School and met with several local residents. The minister also visited the Bimini Medical Clinic and met with Dr Kollie and his medical and support staff. Dr Minnis also visited the Bimini Government Complex, the Alice Town Police Station and the Administrator's Office. The visiting officials also toured parts of Bimini Bay Resort and the landfill site on South Bimini. Dr Minnis was  also accompanied by the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Health, Mrs Barbara Burrows.

In the above photo The Hon Hubert Minnis visits the Alice Town Police Station and speaks with Assistant Superintendent Stephen Newbold, officer in charge of Bimini District.

Dr The Honourable Hubert Minnis, Minister of Health accompanied by PC Mario Rahming who acted as his chauffeur and prinicpal aide during the one day visit to Bimini.

COMM FARQUHARSON AND ACTING COMM REGINALD FERGUSON VISIT GOV GEN HANNA

Retiring Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson(left) and Acting Commissioner Reginald Ferguson paid a courtesy call recently on His Excellency Governor General The Hon A D Hanna on the occassion of Mr Farquharson's retirement and impending demitting of office in January. Acting Commissioner Reginald Ferguson has over 40 years of policing experience and is highly respected in national and international policing circles. Mr Farquharson's last visit to Bimini was in August 2007. The officers in Bimini wish Mr Farquharson every success in his new endeavours and thank him for his outstanding leadership over the past several years. They also pledge to work with Mr Ferguson with continued enthusiasm and professionalism as he takes the reins of leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police. Retiring Commissioner Farquharson is to be appointed Bahamian High Commissioner to Great Britain, residing in London. The title of "High Commissioner" is equal to that of "ambassador". [PHOTO PETER RAMSEY BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES]

 

POLICE AFTER-SCHOOL GAMES END

BOTH SCHOOLS ACHIEVE A VICTORY

The police organised after-school basketball programme ended recently with the both Gateway Academy and the Bimini All Age school taking home a championship. The Bimini All Age School boys won the senior division and the Gateway Academy won the junior division.

Gateway Academy Junior Boys won the Junior Division championship in the police games which were held during the first term of the school year.

For the sixth straight year the police community relations unit in Bimini has organised an after-school programme for the island's school children. The 2007 First-Term basketball competition betweeen Gateway Christian Academy and Bimini All Age School began on October 15 at Bay Front Park in Bimini. The schools are putting forward both junior and senior teams for the competition. The boys play twice per week.

The teachers closely monitor the student's school grades during the season and should grades or school work slip the players are suspended from the games until things improve. The coach for the All Age School, Audley Dean, said, "It's great that the police are doing this programme because it is excellent and it gives the boys something good to do and something positive to talk about and something positive to look forward to." He also said,  "I like the idea that the police officers are involved so much because it helps build a positive relationship between the kids and the police and each get to know the other better. It's a win-win."

ASP Stephen Newbold, Bimini's police chief, opened the games with the ceremonial tip off in October. The basketball programme ended on Nov 29 with the Gateway Junior team winning the championship against the public school. The Bimini Public School senior boys however did defeat the Gateway Senior team in the senior division. So, there was something for both schools to cheer about.

[see SPORTS page for more information]

 

BIMINI STUDENTS JAILED...for five minutes

Thirteen students from Bimini All Age School spent just a few minutes behind bars in the Bimini police jail recently. They didn't do anything wrong but were participating in a special six week programme at the Bimini public school designed to help young people make better decisions and to appreciate the need for personal discipline and responsibility. As part of the programme police offcers gave weekly presentations to the group as did the school counsellors, island medical personnel, local pastors and social services officers. As part of the police input the students visited the Alice Town Police Station and met with on-duty officers, saw the the station's forensic collection area, exhibits area, computer section and the cell block. While in the cell block they entered a cell. None found it comfortable. "The school programme was an important one because it provided the participants with six weeks of information useful for healthy decision making," said R/Sgt 473 Michael Checkley. The police were anxious to support the school initiative. "Any sound programme that is designed to help our young people become productive and contributing citizens will have police support," added Checkley who works in the community and neighbourhood policing unit. "Our kids face all kinds of challenges today and they need to be equipped to meet these challenges effectively. Decision making skills are critical to them," he added.  Sgt Checkley added that so many of the young people who come before the police and the courts do so "not because they are really bad kids but because they have made poor choices." The police in Bimini will launch their school programme, "Think First, Think Smart" in early 2008. It follows upon the successful programmes, "Nuff Respect" and "Do The Right Thing". The programmes were developed in Bimini.

 

 

 

 

Poster from previous police school programme designed in Bimini and implemented by officers here.

 

 

 

 

FIRE DESTROYS ABANDONED HOME

On Guy Fawkes night a fire destroyed an abandoned two storey home in the centre of Bailey Town, Bimini which threatened an entire neighbourhood of buildings and homes. Shortly before 10:00PM the Royal Bahamas Police received a report of a building fire in Bailey Town. With the alarm sounded the volunteer fire brigade and police officers responded quickly to the blaze. Meanwhile, a group of Guy Fawkes revellers enjoying a nearby party saw the blaze and rushed to the scene and using buckets did their best to out and contain the fire until the fire appliance arrived on the scene. Their actions slowed the fire and kept it from spreading to other nearby buildings. BEC also brought their appartus to the blaze to assist in the fire fighting. The volunteers under the direction of police fire officer 562 Chris Wilson were able to further secure nearby homes while extinguishing the main blaze.

Completely destroyed in the fire was the home of the late Mrs Emma Rolle, mother of Pastor Gilbert Rolle and Deacon Rodney Rolle. The home was not being lived in by anyone for some time. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

"The Bimini volunteers did an admirable job fighting this fire," said Fire Officer Chris Wilson of the Royal Bahamas Police. "And I commend those persons who saw the fire at its early stages and who came to fight the fire by establishing a bucket brigade. Their efforts to contain the fire until the volunteers and the appliances could reach is commendable and an expression of good citizenship and neighbourly consideration," added Wilson.

No one was injured as a result of the blaze.

Police Fire Officer 562 Christopher Wilson checks for hot spots among the burned out ruins of a two storey home that was destroyed by fire on Guy Fawkes night.

TROPICAL STORM NOEL MISSES BIMINI

Tropical Storm Noel which threatened the central and northwestern Bahamas skirted Bimini and caused no damage on the island although minor erosion was noticed along the western coastline. While Bimini did experience occasional gusts of wind and several rain squalls there was no dangerous or violent weather impacting Bimini. The seas were extremely rough and dangerous. High surf pounded the western shoreline.

Police officers remove the police boat from the harbour prior to Tropical Storm Noel

Emergency measures were put in place by the Royal Bahamas Police working with the local government authorities and the volunteer fire brigade. Both Administrator Sherrick Ellis and Chief Councillor Tasha Bullard and her deputy, Robbie Smith were attending a conference in Nassau when the storm threatened. With airlines shutting down they were not able to return to Bimini. Police Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Newbold headed the Emergency Measures Committee which placed the emergency plans into readiness.  Police, firefighters, BEC and BTC together with medical personnel were on alert. While shelters were established and equipped there was no need for them.

 Rough seas surrounded Bimini but no other impact was experienced from Tropical Storm Noel. The storm skirted Bimini.

The central islands of the country experienced heavy winds and rain. Many low lying areas were flooded and people had to be evacuated to higher ground especially on Long Island. One person was drowned due to the flooding in Exuma. Nassau received rain and strong winds and some flooding was reported in some areas.

"I was very impressed as to how well our team in Bimini came together so quickly and professionally to put the emergency plan into place. We were ready and on stand by but by God's favour the storm did not affect us," said ASP Stephen Newbold. "We are however with our fellow citizens in those parts of our country that were impacted. We pray for them and keep them close in our thoughts," he added.

SAYING THANKS AND GOODBYE

From Left: Retired Sr Asst Com Reuben Smith; Retired Sr Asst Com Alan Gibson; Rt Hon Perry Christie, Leader of The Opposition; Comm of Police Paul Farquharson; Prime Minister The Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham; Retired  Deputy Comm John Rolle and Cabinet Secretary Wendell Major. PHOTO BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES/RAMSEY

The police officers in Bimini are part of the national police service of The Bahamas - The Royal Bahamas Police, and recently the entire national police service paused to say good-bye and thank you to three eminent senior officers who have taken their retirement. With well over a century of policing service to The Bahamas, former Deputy Comm John Rolle together with Sr Asst Commissioners Alan Gibson and Reuben Smith were honoured recently at a retirement banquet at police headquarters in Nassau. Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson hosted the fete, shortly before he announced his own retirement, which included the distinguished presence of the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham and also the former prime minister and now Leader of The Oppostion, the Rt Hon Perry Christie. All of the retiring officers joined the police service prior to the polictical independence of The Bahamas in 1973. Alan Gibson was the elder statesman of this distinguished group with over 45 years of polcing service. He has been the recipient of both the British Colonial Police Medal and the Queen's Police Medal. Rueben Smith also held the Royal Victorian Medal in recognition of services provided to The Queen during her visits to The Bahamas in 1977 and 1985. Former Deupty Commissioner John Rolle had been honoured by The Queen with the Queen's Police Medal some years ago. All were awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct medals. Their overall contribution to the police service was described as, " significant, vital, valued and enormous."

The police officers in Bimini express their appreciation to all three men for their leadership, example of service and treasured contribution to the development of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  ASP Stephen Newbold, Officer-in-Charge of Bimini represented the Bimini officers at the event.            

POLICE PUBLISH HISTORY BOOK

By MATT MAURA

Reprinted from Bahamas Information Services

 NASSAU – After more than two and one-half years of rigorous research, 260 interviews and the examination of more than 300 books and other documents, the Royal Bahamas Police recently launched its newly completed comprehensive history book.

Entitled The Story of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the book is a "comprehensive and compelling" historical examination of the Force and will take readers through an in-depth journey of law enforcement beginning in the era of the Arawak and Lucayan Indians, through the Eleutheran Ad-venturers, Lords Proprietors, Royal Governors and Slavery and Apprenticeship.

It also describes some of the early law enforcement entities, including the West India Regiment, the Night Guard and the first Constabulary, in addition to tracing the Force's lineage from its inception in 1840 to its present day initiatives.

"This book is filled with detailed accounts of local and international events that have helped to transform the Royal Bahamas Police into one of the leading law enforcement agencies in the region," said Sgt. Chaswell Hanna, MCJ, lead author and editor-in-chief of the book.

"This book is an invaluable source of information for school, college and university students as well as tertiary educators, police practitioners and historians both locally and internationally and includes colour images displaying the various types of police uniforms, badges of rank, parades and ceremonies which are typically needed for class projects and research papers.

"It also provides complete information on past and present organizational structure, administration and functions of the Force and is a must read for scholars of Bahamian history, retired and serving members of the Force and the general reading public," Sgt. Hanna added.

Co-authored by Sgt. Hanna, Woman Detective Constable Altida Khalfani, M.S. Ed., and Detective Corporal Kemuel Knowles, who also served as the director of imaging, the book also takes an in-depth look at events in Bahamian history such as the Burma Road Riot, in addition to providing analyses of some of the Force's major case investigations.

Sgt. Hanna said the group tried to create a document that would be useful to a variety of audiences. He pointed out that the Police Force receives daily requests as to Badges of Rank, former Commissioners of Police etc, and so they wanted to target that audience.

Sgt. Hanna said the writing team interviewed a number of persons from various eras in Force history to complete the book, in addition to civilian historians. Retired police officials Bernard K. Bonamy, Keith Mason, Reginald Dumont and Sir Albert Miller, among others, participated in those interview sessions in addition to representatives of the Department of Archives.

"Another exciting aspect of the book is the fact that it includes analysis of some of the major criminal investigations that the Police Force has undertaken over the years," Sgt. Hanna noted. "We also provide analysis on the police's role in the Burma Road Riot, the General Strike and so forth."

Chief Superintendent of Police Hulan Hanna said Force personnel anticipate that the book, at some point, could be included in the High School curriculum and prominently displayed elsewhere in society.

"The Royal Bahamas Police Force has been so far interwoven in the national fabric and affairs of The Bahamas that it would be a great disservice to this country not to have the role of this Force to be prominently displayed or represented in our educational curriculum," Chief Supt. Hanna said.

[check the link on the left side to POP CULTURE]

"This Force has participated in every General Election in this country; every international visit including that of Her Majesty, the Queen, when the Privy Council of London sat in The Bahamas, this Royal Bahamas Police Force was a part of it, in addition to the Social Revolution in this country.

"Additionally, The Bahamas enjoys, in terms of the democratic process, more than 200 years of free democracy and I would like to believe that while the Bahamian people are pre-disposed to being a peaceful group of individuals, also significant in that, has to be the role the Force has played in ensuring the peace and tranquility of the country and so we certainly would like to see that happen," Chief Supt. Hanna added.

Sgt 1121 Hamilton, Second-in-Charge, Bimini District, represented ASP Stephen Newbold at the book launch held in Grand Bahama.

The book is available at leading booksellers throughout The Bahamas.

STATION SERGEANT FOR BIMINI

The Commissioner of Police has transferred Sergeant 1121 Hamilton from Grand Bahama to Bimini as Second In Charge of the Bimini District. The District has been without a Station Sergeant for several months. Cpl 2280 Campbell acted as Second-in-Charge in the interim. Sergeant Hamilton joined the police service in 1983 after completing high school. Over the past 24 years he has served in many areas of the police service including a period with the Drug Enforcement Unit as a member of the highly trained "Strike Force".

Sergeant Hamilton, as Station Sergeant and Second-in-Charge, is responsible for the daily operation of the Bimini District and reports to Assistant Superintendent Stephen Newbold. He will oversee all aspects of policing as it relates to Bimini. ASP Newbold welcomed Sergeant Hamilton to Bimini and also thanked Cpl Campbell for the exemplary manner in wihch he acted as Second-in-Charge for the period there was no station sergeant.

FIRE OFFICER APPOINTED TO BIMINI

Police Constable 562 Wilson has been transferred to Bimini on a three month attachment as Fire Officer for the Bimini District. A native of Grand Bahama and a graduate of Eight Mile Rock High School, he joined the police service in 2002. Constable Wilson has served in New Providence, The Berry Islands and Grand Bahama. A trained fire-fighter, he has spent most of his police career in Fire Branch. Constable Wilson will lead local volunteers in fire-fighting seminars and on-going training. He will also visit schools and community meetings to discuss fire hazards in Bimini and methods to ensure adequate fire prevention. "Bimini is a small community and the houses are very close together and a blaze in one house can easily engulf an entire neighbourhood. So, fire prevention is key for all Biminites. We all have to look out for areas where fire could occur because fire threatens everyone once it breaks out," said Wilson.  "I know Bimini has had serious fires and even the loss of life as the result of fires. We want to prevent fires and working together, the whole of Bimini, we can work to prevent a tragedy from taking place again", he added

PROSECUTION OFFICERS VISIT BIMINI

A team of officers from the Prosecutions Office in Nassau headed by ASP Leamond Deleveaux visited Bimini District recently to complete an audit of the station's criminal court files and dockets. The team is visiting all Family Islands to bring uniformity to the file process and to begin initiating stations into a new upcoming software computer programme that will allow for all court matters to be entered into a national storage and retrieval system.

While in Bimini Assistant Superintendent of Police Leamond Deleveaux gave a lecture to officers on evidence and procedure formalities and court room functioning. ASP Deleveaux served for four years in Bimini as a sergeant in the 1990s and for some time served as officer-in-charge. Since leaving Bimini he has worked in Andros and the Courts in Nassau. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2006.

ASP Deleveaux and Sgt Smith of the Prosecutions Office

GATEWAY STUDENTS VISIT COURT HOUSE

As part of the Grade 9 Social Studies programme the students of Gateway Christian Academy recently visited the Bimini Court House and sat in on a morning's session of the court. The court was presided over by Administrator Sherrick Ellis, in his capacity as a magistrate. The offences before the court that day were largely traffic offences. One criminal trial matter was heard. R/Sgt 473 Checkley spoke to the students before the court session began giving an overview of the proceedings they would witness. Adminstrator Ellis also spoke to the group of students and encouraged them to behave correctly so as not to be placed before the courts for judgement. "It is easy to find trouble," he said. "Avoid it. Run from it," he told the group. One person placed before the court was found guilty of lying to a police officer and was told to pay a fine of $200 or he was to go to prison for three months. The Administrator told the students, "that lying gets you deeper into trouble. Tell the truth. Be truthful about everything because your lie will be discovered."

The students are preparing for the BJC(Bahamas Junior Certificate) Examinations which will be written in the spring of 2008. The examinations are comprehensive covering materials studied since Grade 7. R/Sgt Checkley will also visit their classroom to discuss policing in The Bahamas.

Useful Link for more information

http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb/aboutthegovernment.nsf/subjects/overview+judicial+system

MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND

Royal Bahamas Police and Immigration officers in Bimini apprehended nearly 25  illegal immigrants on South Bimini recently within a 24 hour period. The illegal immigrants, many female, were Haitian nationals transported from Nassau by go-fast boats to Bimini where they are then given over to others for transport into the USA. Police have been working feverishly to stop the trade and disrupt the activities of the smugglers. In some cases the immigrants are left to fend for themselves in the bushes for days without food and water. They have already paid for their trip to the USA and so the smugglers simply abandon them after payment. Often times the tips to the police as to the whereabouts of the illegal immigrants are believed to come from those within the smuggling organisation. One police officer said, "Yes, these people want a better life because things are tough back home but there are procedures in place to facilitate immigration. The rules need to be followed." he added, "Sadly, the smugglers steal the people's money and lie to them about where they are going or where they are." The officer also said that, "The safety of these people at sea is a real concern. Accidents and tragedies happen and we want to avoid that." Another concern is that smugglers who move these people through The Bahamas may not realise who they are moving. "The threat of terrorists infiltrating The Bahamas or using The Bahamas for entry into the USA is real. Sometimes you never know who you are moving, especially people from other parts of the world. And these persons may  do you (the smuggler) harm when they find their way clear", he added. "Human trafficking is an ugly immoral business and it needs to stop." The immigrants were given over to Bahamas Immigration and transported to Nassau for further processing and eventual repatriation.

Photo Above: Some of the nearly 25 immigrants apprehended within a 24 hour period are placed on the water taxi by police and immgration officers for transport to the South Bimini Airport for a flight to Nassau.

Useful Links

http://www.bahamasb2b.com/news/wmview.php?ArtID=4967

http://www.humantrafficking.org/

 

STOLEN VESSEL LOCATED IN BIMINI

A recent report of a stolen boat made to a police station in Nassau and circulated to all stations resulted in the recovery of the stolen vessel in Bimini. Shortly after receiving the information Bimini police made checks of area marinas and canals and found the vessel. While investigations are continuing into the matter it is believed the vessel may have been taken to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States. The vessel was seized and taken to the Alice Town Police Station. Later that night police and immigration officers arrested several nationals of Peru who appeared to be waiting on an island beach for pick up and transport to the USA.

The cessation of this activity is among the top priorities for police and immigration officials.

Police seize and secure the stolen vessel which was later claimed by the rightful owner.

 

 

 

 

 

Police check the vessel before moving it to the impound dock. Cpl Sweeting and PCs Williams and Rahming secured the boat.

 

BIG GAME RESORT OWNER RECEIVES POLICE RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY POLICING PARTNERSHIP

Gene Wright, the owner of the Big Game Resort and Marina, the island's premier destination, has been honoured by the Commissioner of Police and by the officer in charge of the Bimini District for his support of the police and his generous partnership in community policing initiatives.

"Anytime I can do something to help the police I can be counted upon," said Wright. "I support the police completely and I appreciate what they do for Bimini and I honour their service and commitment to this island and especially to the young people." he added at a ceremony held recently.

Commissioner Paul H Farquharson, during his recent visit to Bimini, praised Mr Wright's commitment to Bimini. He also expressed his appreciation for his support of policing on Bimini. Assistant Superintendent Stephen Newbold, Bimini's police chief, also praised Mr Wright and his entire staff at the resort for their cooperation, goodwill and community spirit. "We very much appreciate everything this resort does for us." said Mr Newbold. "Mr Wright is a fine man and we honour him for his support of our work here and for his support of our community programmes." added ASP Newbold.

Mr Newbold, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, presented Mr Wright with a certificate of appreciation for his support of the Royal Bahamas Police and its mission.

Useful Link

http://www.biminibiggame.com/

 

FRANK COONEY HONOURED BY POLICE

Frank Cooney,Sr, owner and operator of South Bimini's prestigious resort property Bimini Sands, was honoured recently by the police for his good-will and outstanding corporate citizenship as it relates to his on-going support for the Royal Bahamas Police and its comnunity initiatives. Mr Cooney received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the police from ASP Stephen Newbold and also received a Certificate of Honour and Appreciation from Governor General A D Hanna. Mr Newbold also presented the Governor-General's Award to Mr Cooney. The Governor General's Award recognised Mr Cooney's contirbution of service, support and logisitical involvement in the recent visit to Bimini by His Excellency and Mrs Hanna. Two other members of Mr Cooney's team received similar awards from the Governor General. Both Robin Major and Emil Poitier played important logistical roles in the success of the Governor General's visit to Bimini. Bimini Sands has also been extremely supportive of community and neighbourhood policing programmes both on North and South Bimini.

 Robin Major with his Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Governor General of The Bahamas, The Hon A D Hanna. The Governor General represents the Queen in The Bahamas.

 

 Emil Poitier stands next to ASP Newbold and displays his Certificate of Appreciation signed by His Excellency The Governor General The Hon A D Hanna the personal representative of the Queen in The Bahamas.

Useful Link

http://www.biminisands.com/

 

UPGRADED POLICE BOAT FOR BIMINI

A new 28 foot police boat has been added to the Bimini District's police assets following the decommissioning of HPB 7 (Harbour Patrol Boat). HPB 11 is equipped with state of the art UHF/VHF communications, two GPS systems and a depth meter. The vessel is powered by twin 200 Yamaha engines.

The vessel is captained by Cpl 1277 Sweeting and PC 243 Cambridge, both of whom have received marine training at Harbour Patrol Division in Nassau and they have taken specialisation training with the United States Coast Guard.

The vessel is used for patrolling the waters in and around Bimini for search, rescue and recovery operations an also to ensure compliance with Bahamian Customs and Immigration procedures, fishing regulations, interdiction of drug and human smuggling operations and to ensure safety at sea standards.

 

ASP Newbold watches while Cpl 1277 Sweeting operates HPB 11, Bimini's new open sea police patrol vessel. PC Mario Moss looks on. The vessel replaces HPB(Harbour Patrol Boat) 7 which was decommissioned. Sweeting is a DEU/Marine Division and US Coast Guard trained boat operator.

ASP Newbold and Cpl 1277 Sweeting

 

SECOND POLICE BOAT GIVEN TO BIMINI

A 17 foot Boston Whaler with A 150HP engine joined Bimini's marine assets recently giving the District two boats with which to patrol both the inner harbour and canals and the waters surrounding Bimini. The vessel was donated to the Royal Bahamas Police by Eugene Wright, owner of the Bimini Big Game Resort and Marina. The vessel was sent to Nassau and was fitted for use as a police vessel. It was returned to Bimini recently.

 Bimini police boat being offloaded the mail boat.

Mr Wright, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a strong supporter of the police in Bimini and has been a partner in several community policing initiatives. He was honoured for his contributions to policing on Bimini by Commissioner of Police Paul Farquharson. (see story below)

Bimini's marine operations section is headed by Cpl 1277 Sweeting and he is assisted by PC 243 Cambridge. Both are trained in boat handling and maritime navigation and have received specialised training from the US Coast Guard.

Cpl Sweeting and PC Cambridge in Bimini's newest marine partol boat which was a gift from Big Game Resort.

OFFICERS FINISH U.S. COAST GUARD COURSE

Two officers from Bimini recently completed a two week course on boat handling, navigation and marine engine and hull repair from the United States Coast Guard. Cpl 1277 Sweeting and PC 243 Cambridge were in Nassau at Coral Harbour taking the intensive training course. The course was being staged at the headquarters of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in New Providence.

Both Cpl Sweeting and Officer Cambridge are qualified captains having received earlier boat and marine training from the DEU/Harbour Patrol section of the police service in Nassau. The marine unit in Bimini has a 28 foot patrol vessel and also a smaller 17 ft Boston Whaler  With these two assets the police here can better offer policing services at sea in the waters around Bimini.

                                                       PC Cambridge and Cpl Sweeting

STATE OF THE ART RADIO SYSTEM

A state of the art radio and telecommunication system has been installed at Bimini for use by the Royal Bahamas Police. The national multi-million dollar Motorola system is being put in place throughout The Bahamas. The system completely overhauls the previous one and presents several new features. Among them is the ability for a police officer anywhere in The Bahamas with a radio set or hand set to speak to any officer anywhere else. In times of national crisis or emergency the radio system can link every police station under a central command. The hand-set radios are so sophisticted utilising the current state of the art technology they can reach great distances.  "We can talk to the officer on Cat Cay from a hand-set radio on North Bimini," said Cpl 1277 Sweeting. "This is a communication tool that will enable us to perform at the next level of policing", he added. "Communication is vital and to be able to communicate effectively and reliably from our local headquarters to officers out at sea or in the field is a powerful tool." Cpl Sweeting who is responsible for marine operations in Bimini, also said that the police boat "will never be out of range" with the new technology. The system will not be fully operational throughout the country for several months. The station in Bimini is also equipped with a satellite telephone system. The new multi million dollar system is the first for the Caribbean region and only five US cities have the system installed including New York City and Los Angeles.

SCOTLAND YARD OFFICERS VISIT BIMINI

A husband and wife police team from London's famous Metropolitan Police visited Bimini recently and met with members of the Royal Bahamas Police while on the island. Constables Gareth and Michelle Evers paid a courtesy call on Assistant Superintendent Newbold and presented him with a plaque bearing the insignia of Scotland Yard. The officers were also given a dinner in their honour by Lady Checkley of Bimini at which time they met again with ASP Newbold and other officers from the Bimini District. "The exchange of information on policing theory and strategies was excellent," commented Mr Newbold. The MET officers remarked how deeply rooted Bahamian police practice and thinking is in the practices and traditions of Scotland Yard. Mr Newbold thanked the MET officers for their interest and deeply appreciated their "good will and professional courtesy in visiting the Royal Bahamas Police at Bimini and for sharing their police experience with the local officers." The Scotland Yard officers were vacationing in Bimini. Bahamian police constable Mario Rahming remarked, "It's great to hear about their policing experience, procedures, techniques and programmes." He added that, "I know we all appreciated their visiting with us and forming a bond between us and them -- our police service and theirs."

Metropolitan Police officers Gareth and Michelle Evers presenting a plaque to ASP Stephen Newbold at the Alice Town Police Station, North Bimini, Bahamas.

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