The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

RETIRING Assistant Commissioner of Police Bernard BK Bonamy, Jr, officially turned over command of the Grand Bahama District to Assistant Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles yesterday.

The handover ceremony at police headquarters in Freeport marks the first time a woman has been appointed officer in charge of Grand Bahama and the northern region.

Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander encouraged officers to support the new ACP, one of nine officers promoted on Monday.

Commissioner Fernander said ACP Bonamy served with distinction during the 42 years of his career.

He said before he demits office, he would establish a programme or some way to remember men and women like Mr Bonamy who have served with distinction.

The commissioner was pleased the crime stats showed a reduction in crime in the northern region.

ACP Bonamy thanked the Grand Bahama community for supporting him during the past seven months of his tenure as the officer in charge of the district.

He started his policing career as a constable at age 17. In 1986, his career took off after his transfer to the Criminal Investigation Department. He thanked his mother, Shirley, his siblings, and his children for their support over the years.

ACP Knowles said that she is prepared for the task ahead in Grand Bahama. One of her goals, she said, is to see that the Domestic Violence Unit is up and running to support the victims of domestic violence on the island.

Commissioner Fernander said he had not forgotten his promise to appoint a Grand Bahama-born person to serve as the next ACP for the district.

“When I took office just over a year ago, I promised the officers here in GB that the next ACP in GB will be identified from here who born and grew here in GB. Ms Knowles is here to do just that, to mentor the men and women here that are chief superintendents who are looking for that next level, and my eye is on a few of them, and training will come.”