The Tribune

By Timothy Roberts

troberts@tribunemedia.net

“The price of greatness is responsibility.” - Winston Churchill

The scandal involving the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is not just another blip in the news cycle - it is a test of our democracy and the integrity of those sworn to protect it. Allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement between a senior police officer, a gang leader, a prominent lawyer, and two murdered gang members have sent shockwaves through our nation. These revelations have understandably shaken the public’s faith in the very institution meant to uphold law and order.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, promising an investigation by the Security and Intelligence Branch, overseen by the Inspectorate Board. However, this board has been criticised for its chronic inability to fulfill its mandate, raising serious doubts about the effectiveness of this oversight.

In response to these doubts, the RBPF has reached out to Scotland Yard for independent assistance, a move endorsed by Prime Minister Philip Davis. Yet, despite the enormity of this crisis, Mr Davis has been conspicuously silent on the issue. His few statements have been tepid, lacking the forceful leadership this moment demands. In July, he called the voice notes “terribly disturbing” and spoke of the need to restore public confidence in the police force. But since then, his silence has been deafening.

This silence is unacceptable. The Prime Minister, as the head of government, bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that this investigation is not only thorough but also transparent. The public deserves to know that those entrusted with their safety are not compromised by corruption. Yet, the lack of updates and the absence of a clear commitment to an independent investigation leave us wondering: Does the Prime Minister truly understand the stakes?

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has expressed confidence in the RBPF’s ability to investigate itself - an assertion that defies common sense. In a small, tightly-knit community like ours, the involvement of an independent body is not just desirable—it is essential. International participation, such as that of Scotland Yard, is crucial to reassure the public that this investigation will be conducted with integrity.

The Davis administration came to power on a promise of good governance, with integrity and accountability as its cornerstones. But promises mean nothing without action. The Prime Minister’s inaction, his reluctance to take a strong, public stand on this issue, raises serious questions about his commitment to these principles. Does he wish to be remembered as a leader who stood by his words, or as one who shrank from responsibility when it mattered most?

The Commissioner of Police has already declared that no further updates will be provided until the investigation is complete. This is deeply troubling. Transparency is not an optional feature of good governance; it is its very foundation. The public has a right to know that this investigation is being conducted fairly and thoroughly. Anything less is an affront to our democracy.

If they are choosing silence to mitigate or protect their reputation, it will indeed have the reverse effect.

As Bahamians, we have heard much about good governance from Mr Davis, both in his criticisms of the opposition and in his praise of his own party. Now, it is time for him to show us that these are not just empty words. The Prime Minister must stand up and demonstrate that he is a leader of integrity, committed to rooting out corruption wherever it exists - whether in the police force or any other institution.

Martin Luther King Jr once said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Mr Davis, this is your moment of challenge. Will you rise to it, or will you allow this scandal to undermine the public’s trust in your leadership?

The Prime Minister must not only work behind the scenes but must be visibly and actively involved in restoring public confidence in our law enforcement agencies. The Bahamian people deserve nothing less.