Bahamas Police Commissioner stresses importance of regional approach to crime

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Acting Bahamas Commissioner of Police Mr. Reginald Ferguson told regional Commissioners of Police and Military Chiefs attending a key law enforcement conference in New Providence that the region’s future “depends heavily” on the outcomes of conferences such as the one they are attending.

“All of our countries and nations’ futures depend heavily on the outcomes of conclaves such as this one,” Mr. Ferguson said. “And while there is cause for concern, the resolve to tackle transnational issues must always be on the side of law enforcement personnel, be they police or military.”

Addressing the Opening Session of the 11th Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Standing Committees of Commissioners of Police and Military Chiefs which opened Thursday at the Paul H. Farquharson Conference Centre, Mr. Ferguson said the meetings are being held at a time when “the ever-roving minds of the criminal opportunists who are always willing and ready to take advantage of every opportunity to play their craft, are coming together to do so.”

“The criminals are committed to pooling their resources, intelligence and whatever else is available to them,” Mr. Ferguson said. “I am particularly pleased to welcome all of the Commissioners of Police, Military Chiefs and representatives from law enforcement agencies from around the Caribbean region to this 11th Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Standing Committees of Commissioners of Police and Military Chiefs.”

Mr. Ferguson told the delegates that law enforcement agencies in The Bahamas – particularly the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces – are “very well aware” that the ultimate victory “over the vices of crime, evil and anti-social behaviour, can only come about when we work together to get the job done.”

“The united front represented by your presence today is refreshing and it sends the right signal to the entire region and even beyond,” Mr. Ferguson added.