The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

POLICE on Grand Bahama kicked off Police Month on Friday with a community walkabout led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Samuel Butler, who with his officers, interacted with persons on the streets and at various establishments in the Freeport area.

The walkabout started at 11am in the downtown area, following a prayer session with pastors at Police Headquarters and various police stations.

The Royal Bahamas Police are observing 179 years of existence in the country and a number of community activities and events have been planned.

Mr Butler noted that it is important that the police continue to foster a strong partnership with the public through interacting with individuals through such walkabouts, community activities and events.

“We are excited about Police Month, he said. We are very grateful the public has been supporting us throughout the years and we want to reassure them we are here for them.”

Visits and stops were made at businesses, schools, and in some residential communities.

ACP Butler said: “The community is our greatest stakeholder and partner, without their support there is very little we can do ourselves; they are our eyes and ears, and when we get their support we know crime will go in a downward trend.”

He noted that while there appears to be some spike in crime in the Western District, the police are making progress in cases. He urged residents to assist the police.

Chief Supt Loretta Mackey, officer in charge of Administration and Support Service officer for GB and northern Bahamas, said police will attend churches services on Sunday, March 3, on Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini.

On March 2, A Fun Run Walk will start at 6am at Police Headquarters. The route will start at Police Headquarters to the Airport Circle to Ranfurly Circus and back at headquarters, where there will be health screening.

Supt Floyd Bastian, Officer in charge for West End, said they will have a Debate Competition on the topic, “Harsher Penalties Reduces Crime,” and Speech Competition on March 21 at the Police Training College at 7pm.

The Police Concert and Variety Show will be held March 22.

Det ASP Weir highlighted a number of sporting events, including a softball tournament on March 16 at GB Sports Complex among the four Policing Divisions. They are inviting teams from the GB Port Authority, GB Shipyard, BaTelco, Immigration and Customs officers, and others to join them.

They will honour retired officer Philip ‘PJ’ Johnson, who was an outstanding softball player.

ASP Weir said that a basketball tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at Jack Hayward gym on Saturday. “We are asking ball players to come out and have some fun.

A volleyball tournament also will be held on March 7 at the Jack Hayward gym. They will honour retired officer ASP “Bounty” Ferguson, who represented the country on numerous occasions.

A Pool tournament is scheduled for March 14 at Police Training College.

Sgt Addison Russell said that track and field events will also take place on March 26 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

The community is asked to support all the events.