June 19, 2023
Out of 22 women who applied, only six were chosen to become the first women officers in the RBPF, namely: Theresa Baker, Anita Bethel, Norma Clarke, Hildred McClain, Alsada McFall, and Esther
Stubbs. On November 23, 1964, they entered Police Headquarters, East Street, to commence their rigorous training under the watchful eye of Sergeant 286 Audrey Weigh, a seasoned veteran from the Metropolitan Police Force in England, and overcame every obstacle to be sworn in as officers.
Stories this photo appears in:
‘You six will determine whether or not other women can join’ – First women police showed that they belonged
THE presence of women became more recognised in The Bahamas during the 1960s. It began with an Act being passed granting women the long-awaited right to vote, however this was just the first step. Spurgeon Bethel, a former Police Officer, stood before the House of Assembly in 1964, offering a visionary proposition.
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