The Tribune

LAST year tested the courage, strength, resilience and professionalism of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Senator Keith Bell said.

Senator Bell, who serves as minister of state in the Ministry of National Security, spoke at the RBPF’s Northern Bahamas district annual church service at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grand Bahama on Sunday.

He pointed out that in 2014 serious crimes against persons and property decreased by 18 per cent compared to the figures for 2013; however homicides, which showed an increase, remained a major challenge for law enforcement in both New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“The time has come for us to look beyond the media accounts of crime and criminality, and the fear of crime, to empathise with victims of crime and families of victims of crime: to make a renewed effort to prevent crime, bring perpetrators to justice and rehabilitate offenders, take responsibility by speaking up and speaking out, and make a positive contribution to the fight against crime,” Mr Bell said.

He added that the time has also come to prevent criminals from setting the terms and agenda of our national dialogue, and from pitting us one against the other.

“Importantly, we must recognise the many exemplary accomplishments of the Royal Bahamas Police Force since its establishment, and in particular, over the past year.

He said that the government has worked to meet its own commitment to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by providing the resources, including human, material and financial resources required of a 21st century police force.

The senator said policing is a rewarding vocation and while anyone can be anything, not everyone can be a police officer.

“Although yours is a thankless job, you do indeed have a thankful nation and government. My government has shown that it is committed to providing the necessary resources to enable you to do your job. You continue to live up to your part of the contract and we will fulfil our end of the bargain.

“We have demonstrated this recently in bestowing upon the police force, the largest ever promotions in its history for all ranks. And we are not done yet. Therefore brethren, be ye steadfast and immovable,” he said.

“I know we have the God-given power and authority to minimise crime in the Bahamas. That is why we have come in reverence in this holy place, to first be anointed by our God and Saviour.

“Hence, may the God we serve build a shield around you and protect you, the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force as you take up the challenges of 2015. We will be praying for you,” Mr Bell said.