The Eleuthera Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force held a special meeting with the liquor license premises holders on Harbour Island to discuss security and safety issues at their locations, and throughout the island on Thursday morning, February 29th, 2024.
This meeting followed shortly after Harbour Island recorded its first homicide for 2024, during the early hours of Monday morning, on February 26th, when a man was shot and killed, inside a local nightclub.
Commenting briefly on the purpose of getting the licensees together, RBPF’s Assistant Superintendent Julian Newbold explained, “Today’s event was designed to help allay the fears of our business community, and also to sensitize operators of local bars and nightclubs as to the importance of having proper security. And the fact that the police is available for consultation to help guide them along when it comes to putting on special events… We also had the Ministry of Tourism come in to speak to them to address the customer service level, and the expectation of persons coming and feeling safe while they are here. So that they would also be sensitive to the fact that they cater to a particular clientele in Harbour Island.”
Held at 11am in the conference room at Valentines Resort and Marina, with a full capacity audience, the meeting was addressed by several RBPF executives from within the Eleuthera Division, including Superintendent Nigel Rolle, Superintendent Franklyn Neely, Assistant Superintendent Julian Newbold, as well as Harbour Island Office Manager with the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Mrs. Deborah Fox.
Superintendent Rolle, in his presentation focused on nightclub safety, and the repercussions of not taking the proper security precautions, at various levels within the operation – from surveillance, to access procedures, lighting, as well as employee controls and training. Vendors were warned about their responsibility for the safety of their business and everyone within them. MOT’s Mrs. Fox, in her talk, highlighted the caution needed in safeguarding the island’s tourism product, and emphasized service standards in the local industry.
ASP Newbold, serving as the officer-in-charge at the Harbour Island office, spoke about the police presence in Harbour Island, and the role they play in preventing crime and enforcing the law. Presentations were wrapped up by Superintendent Franklyn Neely, who shared some of the island’s challenges with regard to the growing presence of guns, ammunition and drugs, and the risk they posed to the island having an increase in major crimes.
Some of the statistics shared by Supt. Neely highlighted the fact that during the past two years, the RBPF Eleuthera Division had seized a number of major drug shipments and recovered 12 unlicensed firearms – 80% of those firearms were said to have been recovered on Harbour Island. The Eleuthera Division had also investigated a number of shooting incidents and recorded 3 homicides during the past 24 months. While showing a photo of some of the significant drug and firearm seizures, Superintendent Neely highlighted that a number of high powered firearms were included. This information was shared with the liquor license holders, said Neely, to reiterate the importance of emphasizing safety and security at every level of their business operations, and to encourage a close working relationship with local law enforcement for the overall safety of the island.
Supt. Neely, commenting briefly on the meeting at its end, said, “We came this morning to meet with all of the stakeholders (liquor licensees). We spoke to them about our crime fighting initiatives. We offered tips and advice to them, in regards to their surveillance systems, their security systems, and persons working within their establishments. We also gave them advice in regards to the DJ’s, and the functions that they normally have. For example, if they hire a DJ from Nassau. If they were to come to us and ask our opinion about a particular DJ that they want to bring into the island, in terms of what we know – all of that can further help with keeping our community safe.”
Following the RBPF meeting with liquor license holders, the officers then met up with a sizeable gathering of Harbour Island community members, including students from the local schools, community leaders, pastors, business people and others, for a Prayer Walk, in the area where the shooting incident occurred.
“This afternoon’s Prayer Walk,” said Superintendent Neely, “is in response to the recent murder that we had on the island of Harbour Island, on Sunday night, where a young man from Nassau was shot and killed… The Walk is about ensuring the public that we are here – for any fears that they may have, or questions that they may have. We encourage them to show solidarity with the police, church leaders, school leaders, and local government officials.”
During the Walk, participants held hands and formed a long line, in front of the area, where the recent shooting incident took place, while Pastor Anthony Dean of Lighthouse Church of God led prayers during the community prayer chain.
Patrice Linda Barry, a member of the Wesley Methodist Church in Harbour Island, who had come out to participate in the Prayer Walk on Thursday afternoon, sharing why she had taken the time to come, said, “I came here to represent, because I have grandchildren, 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I have come to take back our community of Harbour Island. There is a lot going on, and we need to get back our Harbour Island.”
