Patrick Wright the Superintendent of Prisons (Acting) brings remarks during the Handing Over Ceremony of the Office of Superintendent of Prison at Her Majesty’s Prisons, Thursday, April 11, 2013. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Bernard Nottage said he is satisfied that Patrick Wright is the person with the abilities, experiences and demeanour to lead a team that will advance the mission of Her Majesty’s Prisons. Dr. Nottage was speaking at a ceremony where Mr. Wright was handed the Instrument of Office as Superintendent of Prison (Acting) at Her Majesty’s Prisons, Thursday, April 11, 2013. The Minister of National Security explained that Mr. Wright is a career prison officer, having joined the prison service in May 1978.
In 1987, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and moved through the ranks to his present substantive post of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons. He is experienced in working in the core functions of the Prison as well as in administrative areas. Just short of working 35 years at the Prison, ASP Wright has gained a wealth of experience in prison management. Dr. Nottage also announced that Assistant Superintendent of Prison, Bernadette Murray will be administratively assigned to act as a Deputy Superintendent.
Further, Doan Cleare has been recommended to be appointed an Assistant Superintendent of Prison and administratively assigned as an Acting Deputy Superintendent of Prison. Assistant Superintendent Bernadette Murray has the distinction of being the female who has attained the highest rank in The Bahamas Prison Services. She is a career Prison Officer who joined Her Majesty’s Prisons in 1986 having attained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has progressed through the ranks serving in many divisions of the Prison and is currently Director of Custody Services. Mr. Doan Cleare has been employed at H. M. Prison for the past 19 years and has been the driving force behind implementation of computerisation and improved technology at these facilities including the implementation of video conferencing links between the courts. He has been exposed to the management of modern correctional institutions in several countries and has served as Head of the Classification Unit and Chairman of the Classification Board at Her Majesty’s Prisons. Dr. Nottage said, “I call upon all employees to give the new leadership your full support in working productively to move Her Majesty’s Prisons forward together. “I urge you to let your commitment to duty and country be manifested in your attitude and behaviour by practicing and observing the highest standards of personal and organisational discipline.”
Mr. Wright thanked his predecessor Dr. Elliston Rahming. He said, “Dr. Rahming has served with distinction and he has added value to everything he has touched at Her Majesty’s Prisons. He is a distinguished son of the soil of Andros who rose to prominence through hard work, integrity and loyalty.” He also praised the officers and staff working at the Prison. “I would like to thank the hardworking men and women of Her Majesty’s Prison for the dedicated service they have rendered over many years and for the sacrifice and devotion to duty. “The wider community does not know the patience, self-control and hardship you must endure and overcome daily in order to perform your duty.” Mr. Wright promised the families and friends of residents of the facility that they would be cared for and treated with respect while order and control is maintained. “We shall continue to strengthen security programmes to ensure the safe custody of inmates, and every opportunity will be given to those inmates who commit themselves to incentive plans and complete them.” He added, “I along with my executive management team are committed to doing our best in support of the shared core values for a safer prison, a productive inmate and a better Bahamas.” The Acting Superintendent also promised to continue working closely with the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces.
