By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
A YOUNG woman who accused immigration officers of physically assaulting her twice last year was taken into custody yesterday morning after another confrontation with officials.
Dahene Nonord, a 19-year-old born in the Bahamas to Haitian parents, was taken to the Carmichael Road Police Station following an altercation with police officers at her home off Gladstone Road, The Tribune was told.
In an interview with The Tribune, Dahene’s mother Lumame Nonord alleged that police officers “dragged her daughter and kicked her repeatedly in the face” before also allegedly assaulting her son, Geno, who she said tried to help her daughter.
However, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said Ms Nonord and her brother were arrested for obstruction, assault of a police officer and resisting arrest. ACP Dean said officers went to execute a warrant for a man who lived on the same compound as Ms Nonord when it was claimed that she and other members of the community “attacked the officers”.
Ms Nonord was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court last December with assaulting an immigration officer and obstruction. At that time it was alleged that she assaulted an immigration officer during a routine apprehension exercise. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bail. Her trial in that matter is continuing.
Earlier that month, she accused immigration officers of assault after they picked her up during a routine exercise on Cowpen Road and took her to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Yesterday, Mrs Nonord said her daughter was just standing outside her home when two police officers verbally assaulted her before allegedly “beating her up and taking her into custody.”
“There was an incident with two males and a female in our community Monday night. The officers came Tuesday morning to find out what happened. Dahene was in the yard when five male officers and a female officer came in a bus,” she said.
“The female officer told Dahene to go in the house, then one of the male officers called her bad names and then called her stupid. Dahene told them she was not stupid and two of the officers starting hitting her and kicking her in the face. The other officers just stood there and did nothing.” Mrs Nonord claimed that they pulled a gun out and dragged her in the bus.
“My son came to see what was going on and asked them what they were doing and they beat him too. Then they took all two of them to the police station. They will not let us see them and they won’t take Dahene to the hospital even though she was beaten so bad. She can barely stand up. She is not a troublesome girl and she doesn’t bother anyone,” said her mother.
Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) President Fred Smith, who is representing Ms Nonord in her assault case, said he will sue the government and the officers involved in the altercation as soon as possible.
“This is the fourth time that she has (alleged abuse) by police and or immigration,” Mr Smith, QC, said. “She is a courageous young lady who has been speaking up for her rights. She is a shining beacon of a person brave enough to face the authorities to protect her rights and an example for others.”
Comments
ohdrap4 9 years, 7 months ago
this is sad, this young lady probably has mental issues which were exarcebated by prejudice over the years.
in ancient times they would call that possession by demons.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 7 months ago
Was thinking the same. Needs a psychiatrist
TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
Comrades I'm telling you now that had only Carnival 2015's Paul Major booked Dahene as their "Thrilla in Carnival" main act, there's no telling if da ticket sales could have gone through roof, even stashing some extra cash reserves above the 9.5 millions taxpayers monies? In my heart I feels she sure as hell possess all energy that would've made her been worth lots more than the 60 thousand dollars paid to put crowd to sleepy "Who Let the Dogs Out" band?
My2cents 9 years, 7 months ago
"She is not a troublesome girl?'
She was bold enough to sit in, and likely direct the driver of a car to cut off and prevent an immigration bus from moving, even though the incident did not involve her. This initiated the confrontation, and fight with the immigration officers. Fred Smith has made her feel invincible, and given her the ok to assualt and disrespect officers of the law if she disagrees with them. So I very much doubt that her MO has changed, and the police officers initiated contact for quiet observation..
I hope she is convicted of every charge and spends some time in Fox Hill before being deported to Haiti.
My2cents 9 years, 7 months ago
ohdrap4, Stop making excuses for her aggressive, above-the-law, disrespectful behavior. Her only mental issue is her blatant disregard for officers of the law, which is exacerbated by Fred Smith telling her it is courageous, and the right way to interact with the officers of the law.
Space 9 years, 7 months ago
Ugh... she hasn't even been to trial. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Oh wait I forgot... this is the Bahamas.
Sickened 9 years, 7 months ago
She may not be guilty but she sure ain't innocent!
My2cents 9 years, 7 months ago
I am sure you realize that due process is being carried out in her prior case, as it will be in this case and that my opinion has no bearing on the outcome? Oh, wait I forgot...Haitians love playing the victim..
Space 9 years, 7 months ago
Sigh... yes I'm aware due process is being carried out. Commenting on her, as yet unproven 'above the law, disrespectful behaviour and disregard for officers of the law' is not giving an opinion... you are stating something as fact with no proof. The use of the word alleged may do you well in future.
My2cents 9 years, 7 months ago
Are you that slow that 'alleged' has to be inserted in every comment you read? If I believe it, it's my opinion. Break out an English textbook if you want to learn more about fact vs. opinion.
TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
Comrade sister is innocent before the courts until proven guilty but all the King's Counsels Men's in Bahamaland would have sue whole lot people cuz she is not helping the public's deepening perception of her image, as she has been portrayed in the media. .
DonAnthony 9 years, 7 months ago
I hope this is throughly investigated and let the chips fall where they may. Unfortunately, the police force has a reputation for using excessive force, we should require all police to wear body cameras, much more professional training, and a large increase in salary so we can attract much better candidates. There is a dire need for a more professional force.
Sickened 9 years, 7 months ago
A more physical police force is exactly what we need now. What our citizens need to learn is respect and so many of us are so uneducated that respect cannot be a learnt behavior it must be beaten into us. Growing up some 25 years ago the only thing that kept my peers in check was the knowledge that if the police catch ya' you are going to be beaten bad by them and then when they take you home your dad was going to beat you some more. Hugs and prayers are not going to help our young.
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
Now when you tell them you calling the cops they laugh. Yes the cops still beat them but not as bad, just a little slap now. And if we (not cops) touch them then we go to jail. Whats funny is they call you sissy punk then do some shit and run away ... now whos the sissy punk? Them ofcourse. Todays criminals are a bunch of sissy punks. Society has pussified them all, todays youth are a bunch of pussies. They cant even stand up and face their actions like men. They walk around in groups of fellow pussies acting like they think they man, but they just a bunch of little sissy punks. When you catch them after they do shit they is be like sorry sir and begging to be saved, they even too sissy to say they did the crime, they deny deny deny. I really am tired of their shit. Fck em all. Let the cops have them and do what they need to do, no mercy.
lucaya 9 years, 7 months ago
What is interesting is this lil brat, getting citizenship, her disregard for law and order, is much to consider not. Hope all this is evidence to keep her out of this Country get the baggage out, to say the least.
themessenger 9 years, 7 months ago
to all of my xenophobic Bahamian bredren out there, just remember as you sow so shall ye reap. Haitians, illegal or otherwise are still deserving of being treated like human beings and one day the boot may be on the other foot. Our law enforcement officers are far from saintly, just ask any Bahamian poor boy who sign a confession after gettin' cut ass. This gal maybe a trouble maker but that's no excuse for this constant physical abuse which is one of the reasons our country is such a shithole now
Cas0072 9 years, 7 months ago
It is so phony how you illegal immigrant enablers try to sound above it all, but expose yourselves in the process.This woman is at least guilty of participating in the obstruction of justice in her current case. Because she is on your "right" side of the illegal immigrant debate, does not mean her questionable actions of the past should not be taken into account.We are all less than saintly, and the corrupt percentage of officers on the force is likely no higher than in any other workplace. Dont you just hate it when people judge all Haitians in this same way?
Sickened 9 years, 7 months ago
You are right on one point... when we Bahamians become illegal in our own country then yes indeed we will want to be treated fairly. I fear that this day may come soon. According to unofficial records Bahamians make up just over 50% of our current population.
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
I'm not your brother you foreign criminal piece of shit.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 7 months ago
First it was Immigration Officers, Now it is Police Officers. , The Officers went there because of a complaint, which it appears had nothing to do with her. How did she get herself into this matter. She is looking for trouble. and Fred Smith it seems is feeding her foolishness. what he should do is take her to his sea side home for a while.. It will never happen. Fred Smith is not a people person. only a trouble maker. The Courts and the hospital and all Government agencies are burden by Fred Smith. Now he wants to sue the Police . The Young woman seems to be a troubled soul mental. Don Anthony tell the people how many Haitians are in Long Island.?
DonAnthony 9 years, 7 months ago
There is not a single Haitian in Long Island that I am aware of - legal or illegal. Which illustrates an important point, bahamians have created this problem by hiring illegal immigrants. Then our successive governments failed to address the issue of persons born to illegal immigrants living in the Bahamas their entire life with no legal standing. So we reap what we sow. Stop hiring illegal aliens, hire bahamians, and regularize those that are entitled and deport as fast as possible everyone else. It is our own slackness that perpetuates this problem and the sooner we accept that and make changes the better. This unfortunate young lady is very much a product of her environment and it is one bahamians have tolerated and in some measure encouraged.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 7 months ago
Thank you Don, I do appreciate your response. you are correct many especially in Abaco were hired for cheap labour.
DEDDIE 9 years, 7 months ago
Guilty or innocent, if you bad mouth a police officer they will beat you. I am older than most officers but whenever I am approach by a police I become very passive so that I could avoid been thump. Proverbs said, a soft answer turn away strife.
justmyopinion 9 years, 7 months ago
I have experienced law enforcement officers outside of the Bahamas and a commonality is that they may not always be politically correct, respectful or pleasant. Their job is first and foremost to enforce the law and ensure their own safety in the process.
If this lady was told to go indoors by the officers, her mother's words, as they attempted to apprehend a suspected criminal, she should have complied and watched from the inside for her own safety and theirs. What is clear, whether she exchanged the first insult or blow or not, is that she did not do that.
It is not xenophobic to expect this lady to respect and comply with basic instruction from our law officials. If her lawyer were responsible, or at least sincere, he would not present her as some kind of role model. Together, they are encouraging disrespect and disregard for law officials. If the police respond in kind...how can they alone be faulted?
themessenger 9 years, 7 months ago
For those of you who are quick to support and absolve the many thugs who contaminate our law enforcement agencies I suggest you read Adrian Gibsons column in todays paper as he gives a firsthand account of how police business is conducted at the very same Carmichael road station. Too many Bahamians have taken a leaf from our politicians handbook and become very adept at whitewashing dirt including well documented cases of beatings, rape, robbery and even murder committed by our finest in the pursuit of their "duty". Have we conveniently forgotten that other fine establishment of confinement also located on Carmichael road and what goes on therein? This not about Haitians but about unnecessary physical and mental abuse and the use of unnecessary force by law enforcement officers both here and abroad, just ask the residents of Ferguson and Baltimore!
Sickened 9 years, 7 months ago
To all the illegal immigrants of the world... if you don't like it get the F out!!!!
Space 9 years, 7 months ago
what if I'm not illegal and I still don't like it...
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
Fck off you foreign turd. And residents of Ferguson and Baltimore are also low life bottom feeding turds. The police should have nuked their dumb asses. Fck em all.
White_Massa 9 years, 7 months ago
THIS IS YOUR TYPICAL NEGRO SLAVE, THE WHITE MAN HAS HIM TRAINED WELL. HE FEELS HIS PLACE IS IN THE FIELD PICKING COTTON WITH THE OTHER SLAVES. RISE UP NEGRO, YOU CAN BE FREE TOO.
SP 9 years, 7 months ago
........................... Time For The PLP, FNM And Their Haitians To Go .............................
Bahamians have been totally ignored yet consistently complaining and begging the PLP and FNM to stop their love affair with these disgusting Haitian parasites for 40 years.
This biggety girl is perfectly exemplary typical of Haitians disregard and total disrespect for law and order. Her actions explain why Haitian police must be so brutal enforcing what little law exists in Haiti.
Haiti has been a failed state, totally lawless country for over 100 years and Haitians likewise are a lawless people with no considerations of suddenly changing upon arriving in Bahamas.
Why successive lousy governments would allow our country to be inundated with a people from the most corrupt, poorest, most lawless country in the hemisphere ,and not understand Haitians culture of corruption and lawlessness would negatively affect our country is beyond wildest comprehension.
The PLP and FNM guided Bahamas to where we are today. To the brink of becoming a failed state mainly caused by being inundated and overrun by lawless Haitians "from a failed state"!.......What did the dumb PLP and FNM politicians "TINK" would happen?
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
Send her azz to Haiti, along with anyone that supports her criminal sht.
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
Newsflash this aint some African American community in the US - here the police will rightfully beat your ass if you break the law and keep doing shit. No amount of Fred Smith type bullshit will stop that. And if you riot and throw rocks like the criminal turds in the US, there will be no mercy. If you dont like this, then fck off to somewhere else.
FNM_Retards 9 years, 7 months ago
Todays criminals are a bunch of sissy punks. Society has pussified them all, todays youth are a bunch of pussies. They cant even stand up and face their actions like men. They walk around in groups of fellow pussies acting like they think they man, but they just a bunch of little sissy punks. When you catch them after they do shit they is be like sorry sir and begging to be saved, they even too sissy to say they did the crime, they deny deny deny. I really am tired of their shit. Fck em all. Let the cops have them and do what they need to do, no mercy.
judes 9 years, 7 months ago
@itsupto1
FuckinAround
pablojay 9 years, 7 months ago
Just like most of them,she has no respect for our country, its people or its laws------- and she has Fred Smith to back her up.
Sign in to comment
OpenID