News

POLICE PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL CAREER DAY PROGRAMME







Asst Supt of Police Moxey with Cpl 2854 Thompson at the police information booth

Over two hundred students from Louise McDonald High School and Gateway Christian Academy participated in a career day programme organised by the guidance department of Louise McDonald High School. The Royal Bahamas Police Force participated and set up an information booth and distributed pamphlets on policing, internet safety, drug abuse, school bullying and conflict resolution. The booth also provided a video presentation depicting police activities. R/Sgt 473 Checkley also spoke to the sutdent body on policing as a career.



D/Cpl 472 Dixon, Bimini's Scenes of Crime Officer, mounted a display which demonstrated forensic science techniques used to apprehend law breakers. Students were able to "dust for prints" on several items and then lift the prints. Students were able to take their own prints also. He demonstrated other techniques used to fight crime. "Science doesn't lie", he said. "Today, more than ever, forensic science is being effective in bringing law breakers to justice. You can't beat the science", added Cpl Dixon. He talked about DNA and other "trace evidence" left at scenes that lead to criminals being arrested.



Cpl 2854 Thompson(below) also manned the booth answering questions on careers in the police service and the training that is undertaken to become a police officer. Thompson is a familar face to many of the students through his school visits and physical training programme he offers at the Gateway Gymanasium.



Sasha Sawyer(above), guidance counsellor at Louise McDonald, was happy with the outcome of the day long programme. "Students have been exposed to a wide range of life possibilities when they graduate. They have many doors upon which to knock", she said. Besides the police being present several other government agencies had booths together with several colleges from The Bahamas, United States and Canada.


POLICE IN BIMINI RECEIVE POLICE PATROL VESSEL

The Commissioner of Police, Ellison Greenslade, has sent to Bimini a new police patrol vessel for use in the district. The new vessel is a 26 foot Contender with twin 250 Yamaha engines. It also comes equipped with satellite navigation systems, radar and UHF communications systems. Cpls Leary and Lewis of the Marine Section of the Royal Bahamas Police Force delivered the vessel recently and turned  it over to ASP Michael Moxey. The police officer in Bimini given responsibility for the vessel's operation is PC 2791 Benjamin Moss. Moss is a licenced captain having recently received international accreditation as a qualified "master of a vessel". Moss will be responsible for training other officers in the patrol boat's operation. "This is a challenge and I know that all the officers here in Bimini welcome this patrol boat. We'll do our best to protect life at sea and to ensure that persons respect our laws at sea as well", said Moss.
 


Assistant Superintendent Moxey, officer-in-charge of Bimini, welcomed the patrol boat as an essential asset to effective policing in the Bimini area. "This boat will permit the police to be more effective in keeping Bimini a safe place. Each year we receive many calls from mariners at sea who are in some type of distress. Now we are able to assist and save lives. And we are also in a better position to thwart criminal activities at sea. This vessel is a much needed tool. We welcome it and I thank the commissioner for it", said Mr Moxey.


DAME MARGUERITE PINDLING VISITS BIMINI

Dame Marguerite Pindling, widow of the late Sir Lynden Pindling, paid a visit to Bimini during which she visited the island's schools and met with members of the public at an evening reception given in her honour. Her husband, Sir Lynden Pindling was the first prime minster of
The Bahamas and the architect of the nation's indpendence from the United Kingdom in 1973. He is considered the "Father of the Nation". It was her first visit to Bimini in many years.

Dame Marguerite visted the Louise McDonald high School where she visited the school's art and design classroom and met with students who had achieved "A" grades in the recent BGCSE/University of Cambridge examinations. She addressed the enitre high school body and encouraged the students to do well and seek what is best in everything. She also visited the primary section of the Gateway Christian Academy where she met with students and teachers. Again, her message was one of encouragement.







Dame Marguerite speaks to students at the Louise McDonald high School.

Dame Marguerite meets with coach Audley Dean (left) and his Physical Education students. Lady Pindling encouraged students to engage in athletic activities and to "seek the gold" in all their sporting endeavours. Dame Marguerite mentioned the many Bahamians who have excelled in athletics and who have represented the country well around the Caribbean and throughout the world. She is accompanied by island Adminstrator Sherrick Ellis and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe. ASP Michael Moxey and Sgt 1183 Sawyer are also present.






FIRE DESTROYS BIMINI APARTMENTS.   MANY, INCLUDING CHILDREN, ARE LEFT HOMELESS

A major blaze has left eight families homeless in Bimini after a fast moving fire engulfed a fifty year old apartment complex in Alice Town. Royal Bahamas Police and volunteer fire fighters contained the fire to the apartment building thus saving from destruction several other homes and two local businesses. Police were assisted in their fire fighting efforts by BEC workers who brought to the scene their water pumper. The fifty-five year old Bimini fire engine which is undergoing repairs and restoration by Bimini Bay Resort was brought into the settlement to assist and despite its age worked well. The Bimini Big Game Resort and Marina located adjacent to the burning structure rolled out their hotel fire hoses to help bring the fire under control.

 



The human tragedy is the real consequence to the blaze as many families are homeless and without anything as all their possessions were lost. Many school age children lived in the building. Social Services Officer Tianne Knowles was on the scene of the fire together with island Administrator Sherrick Ellis and Chief Councillor for Bimini Lloyd Edgecombe. All pledged to help the victims.
One police fire fighter sustained some minor burns but there were no other injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building was owned by Dr Paul Duncombe.


POLICE SUPPORT AND BECOME INVOLVED IN GOVERNOR GENERAL'S AWARD PROGRAMME

The Royal Bahamas Police in Bimini have partnered with the Governor General's Youth Award programme to bring the programme back to Bimini for the benefit of the island's young people. The GGYA (as it is called) programme has been in The Bahamas for over 20 years and has been successful in its mission to make better citizens of its participants.

The programme began in 1956 in London as the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who is the husband of The Queen. Today, the Duke's son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, administers the world-wide programme. Known internationally as "The Award" it is known in many places as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award but many countries have branded it after their Governor General, who is the representative of The Queen.

In The Bahamas the Governor General's Youth Award programme is headed by Denise Mortimer.
"The Award builds character and benefits not only the participants but those with whom the participant is involved", she said. "The Award has three levels -- bronze, silver and gold. Each level requires a commitment to service, skill development and physical endeavour", she added.
 
ASP Michael Moxey with GGYA Director Denise Mortimer

The programme was popular in Bimini in the mid 1990s when several teachers headed the effort. As these teachers moved away the programme was halted. "The programme is back and its a wonderful programme with which to be involved", said Mortimer. Principal Sands of the Louise McDonald High School invited the programme back to Bimini.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Moxey, ofifcer in charge of Bimini, put the police solidly in favour of the programme and pledged to give his full support to the programme in Bimini. "This is a powerful programme for young people and it is needed in Bimini and throughout the country", said ASP Moxey. "You come away from GGYA a different person and a better citizen", he added.

R/Sgt 473 Michael Checkley, a former member of the National Council for The GGYA, together with Cpl Brian Harvey and Cpl Rico Thompson and PC Adrianne Williams will participate in the programme together with the teacher-leaders from the school.

LEARN MORE
www.bahamasggya.org


PRIME MINISTER INGRAHAM VISITS BIMINI TO RE-NAME PUBLIC SCHOOL

The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, visited Bimini recently for a two day stay during which he participated in ceremonies which re-named Bimini's 134 year old school after veteran educator the late Louise McDonald, B.E. M. The 90 minute ceremony included music and song from the school's students and several addresses honouring Mrs McDonald's devotion and dedication to education over the nearly 50 years she spent at the school. The Hon Desmond Bannister, Minister of Education, also spoke at the event together with Bimini's Member of Parliament Obie Wilchcombe. Mr Bannister was once a student at the school during the period his father was headmaster.



The prime minister at the Bimini All Age School together with island administrator Sherrick Ellis(left). The Hon Desmond
Bannister is on the extreme right.



There was much excitement in Alice Town as a large crowd gathered to witness the re-naming of the island's 134 year old
school.



The prime minister, shortly before his departure, visited with fisherman from the commercial fishing boat "Cortez II" 
which was berthed in Bimini
.
The prime minister mingled with the nearly 200 guests at the ceremony and later enjoyed a half day of deep sea fishing. He later attended a reception given in his honour.



Cpl 2856 Rico Thompson (left) stands next to the prime minister with Administrator Sherrick Ellis and ASP Michael Moxey.



PRINCE HARRY TO VISIT THE BAHAMAS TO MARK HIS GRANDMOTHER'S DIAMOND JUBILEE:
ALL THE QUEEN'S REALMS AND TERRITORIES MARK HER DIAMOND JUBILEE AS QUEEN IN 2012
ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS DURING ROYAL VISIT

His Royal Highness  Prince Harry of Wales, the son of the late Princess Diana and the Prince of Wales and the Queen's grandson will visit The Bahamas in early March 2012 to help this country mark Queen Elizabeth's sixtieth anniversary as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth.

The Prince is not visiting Bimini but will visit Nassau, Eleuthera and Exuma during his three dy visit.  While the prince is in The Bahamas the Royal Bahamas Police Force will play a pivitol role in the various ceremonial events and security. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band will also be part of the events.  Elizabeth became queen on February 6 1952 upon the death of her father, King George VI.  The queen is now 85 and her husband, Prince Philip, 90, will not travel throughout the Commonwealth in 2012 but she is sending members of the Royal Family to all the countries where she is Head of State and to several other Commonwealth nations. Prince Harry is the younger brother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and third in line to the throne. Prince Harry will visit The Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica.

In 1966 Queen Elizabeth conferred the title "Royal" upon the Bahamas police force.

The Queen's diamond Jubilee -- diamond being the symbol for a 60th anniversary -- is being celebrated to honour the queen's exceptional legacy of service and sense of duty to the countries she serves as Head of State and to the Commonwealth as a whole.
The last time a monarch reached 60 years on the throne was Elizabeth's great great grandmother Queen Victoria who marked her diamond jubilee in 1897. Victoria signed the Emancipation Act of 1838. Her statue is in Rawson Square in Nassau. Queen Elizabeth II signed the Bahamas Independence Order in 1973 establishing the Bahamas as an independent country. The Bahamas chose to retain the monarchy and Elizabeth II became "Queen of The Bahamas", a crown separate from that of the United Kingdom.

LEARN MORE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Jubilee_of_Elizabeth_II


OFFICERS MEET WITH BUSINESS OWNERS

Police officers have met with many of the island's business leaders and shop keepers to talk over any concerns they might have that relate to policing on the island. The officers also handed out brochures of crime prevention and safety tips prepared by the National Crime Prevention Office in Nassau. The initiative provided an opportunity for business leaders to share ideas and concerns. Many were concerned with so many unsupervised young children being out long into the night which often can lead to mischief. Cpl 2783 Brian Harvey who spearheaded the programme found it a worthwhile experience. "Too often the only time the public is able to really talk to a police officer is at some incident that warrants police attention. This walk through the community to talk to shop keepers made it possible to hear what these business persons are saying about the community and about how we police Bimini", he said. "They have many good ideas and their concerns are also our concerns and they expressed a willingness to work with us to make things better throughout the settlement", he added. "We also want to help them secure their business properties from those would steal from them and we distributed some good literature to that end", said Corporal Harvey.



Cpl 2783 Harvey meets with Joe Jones operator of the Porgy Bay Mini Mart on a walk-about visiting island
shop keepers. Below: Cpl Harvey meets with a souvenir vendor in the island's craft centre.






BIMINI CHILDRENS' CHRISTMAS PARTY A SUCCESS

The children of Bimini were treated to an early Christmas this year with a huge Christmas party at the Government Administration Centre where the Alice Town Police Station is located. Gifts, donated from various sources, made the day an especially joyful one for hundreds of Bimini's young children. The party featured face painting, music and food and several kid's rides such as the Bouncing Castle and a Sliders Tent.
Assistant Superintendent of Police and officer in charge of the police in Bimini, Michael Moxey, mingled with the kids for sometime and then presented many of them with gifts donated to the police by the United States Border Protection Agency. Several officers from the US Border Control agency from South Florida were on hand to share out the gifts and join in the pre-Christmas fun. "A very positive working relationship exists between the police here and the US Customs and Border Protection agency and other US law enforcement agencies," said Mr Moxey. "It is great to have them donate well over $1000 worth of toys to our kids", he said.



Kids accept their Christmas gifts from US Customs and Border Protection personnel while ASP Moxey joins the kids.
The police, through the generosity of the US Border Protection officers, provided over $1000 worth of gifts to the young
people of Bimini. A local pastor played the role of Santa Claus.

Standing with ASP Moxey are several members of the USBPA. The gentleman in the white shorts is Sergeant Paul
Chestnutt, USMC (ret) a Bahamian who served with the US Marines for over twenty years. He lives on South Bimini.
The Christmas party was a joint event with the Office of The Administrator of Bimini.







BIMINI FIRE ENGINE TO BE RESTORED

Bimini's 1957 Ward-Lafrance fire appliance is to be restored by the Mechanical and Technical section of Bimini Bay Resort as a gift to the community of Bimini. The fire engine was donated to the community several years ago and with its increasing age several parts of it have become inoperative and rust has taken its toll on sections of the American built truck.

 Bimini's 1957 Ward-LaFrance fire engine to be restored.

Bimini Bay Resort, the $100 million resort development on North Bimini, has undertaken several community projects in the past and it has now turned its attention to restoring the engine which marked its 50th birthday in 2007. Bimini Bay Resort has also donated a modern fire appliance to the community but the 1957 truck has the advantage of having a holding capacity of 1000 gallons of water.
"We appreciate very much the gift of time and effort that Bimini Bay Resort, managed by Rock Resorts, is putting into this engine," said Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Moxey, officer-in-charge of the Bimini Police District.  "Bimini Bay Resort and Rock Resort Management are commended for this good work for the safety of Bimini," he added.


Cpl 2783 Brian Harvey, Senior fire Officer for Bimini, inspects the fire controls on the 1957 fire engine
along with mechanics from Bimini Bay Resort.

Corporal 2783 Brian Harvey, senior Fire Officer for the district echoed Mr Moxey's comments. "This old engine is restorable and workable. In fact it works now but not easily. The restoration will bring this fire apparatus back to its youth. It is a great piece of machinery and once rebuilt will be of immense benefit to Bimini", he said. It is estimated that the restoration may take up to six months.
"Once it is restored it, together with the current modern pumper truck we have, will do well for Bimini's safety from the scourge of fire," added Harvey.


PC 2791 Benjamin Moss, a trained police fire fighter, stands next to the
current fire engine in use on Bimini. This appliance was presented to the
community by Bimini Bay Resort several years ago.

While the Police have ultimate responsibility for fire services on the island Bimini is well served by a strong geroup of volunteer fire fighters. "The brigade will continue to undergo fire fighting and prevention training," added Harvey. 

http://www.wardlafrance.com/



PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMME OFFERED

Corporal 2854 Rico Thompson is spending part of his free time to offer physical fitness training to Bimini's young people at the Gateway Gymnasium. Thompson, no stranger to the rigours of physical fitness, offers weight training and physical fitness activities several days a week. Many young people have taken him on as a trainer. "It is a way to work more closely with our young people and to promote a healthy lifestyle and also to work with them in a positive way and to provide an opportunity for them to interact positively with the police", said Thompson.



Thompson believes physical training is part of a healthy lifestyle and there is no place for abusing alcohol or drugs in his programme. "You can't be serious about what we are doing in the gym if you go out and use drugs. You defeat the whole purpose. This is all about good health practices", he added. He tells those working with him that a proper diet and exercise are necessary foundations to healthy living. "After the work out we don't go out for ice cream."



Thompson is just one officer who is involved in after school programmes. Others are involved in girl's competitive volleyball. "We have several after school programmes that we support," said ASP Michael Moxey. "As the year progresses we have officers interested in supporting track and field activities, basketball and cricket. We are also organising separate boys and girls day long retreats to talk about issues confronting them and we hope to help them learn how to make good choices" he added.



POLICE PRESENT HONOURS TO SCHOOL ACHIEVERS



October is National Youth Month and six students from Bimini's Public School were honoured as Young People of The Month by the police for having achieved "A" grades in BGCSE examinations in Art. "To achieve an A in art is evidence of hard work, being focused and being highly creative", said James Pinder the school's art and design teacher. Pinder, who himself is a noted artist, was delighted with the high marks his students received. ASP Moxey of the Royal Bahamas Police said, "these young people need to be encouraged to achieve more and to be honoured because they have earned it." The police chief went on to say, "I am pleased and peroud as a police officer to honour these young people and to say to all we are interested in your success. Do well. Do well in all things." Receiving their awards from the Royal Bahamas Police were JOSHUA FAWKES, PAULETTE GUERRIER, YVETTE MANIUS, RANELL OMINSKI, GABRIELLE MILLER and AMBER KELLY. The Young Person of the Month is an on-going programme of the police in Bimini. Previous recipients can be located on the Young People's page of this website.


POLICE BAND ENTERTAINS COMMUNITY

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, which marks its 120th anniversary in 2013, visited Bimini recently and entertained the residents of the island with their iconic performance of great music and percision marching. Twenty five members of the band came to Bimini and provided the entertainment. Both residents and tourists applauded the band as it performed before the assembled crowd at the cultural centre in Alice Town.



Inclement weather threatend the performance but the all-day rain stopped in time for the band to perform. Technical difficulties made it impossible for the Pop Band to perform later that evening.
"The Band is a national treasure", said Assistant Superintendent Michael Moxey, Officer in Charge of the police in Bimini. "The band really brings the community and the police closer together. We truly celebrate who we are as a national family whenever we hear or see this famous band perform," he added. Island Administrator Sherrick Ellis praised the local police for organising the event and said the band is always a hit with everyone. "Who cannot be moved to tap a toe or move a little when you hear this band",  said Ellis. "Our national spirit and charism as a people finds expression in this music, this performance and in the uniforms. Its a great gift." added Ellis.
The police band is the oldest division in the police service having been established in the late 1800s. It has performed in many places throughout the world and before Her Majesty The Queen on several occasions.



The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performed in Bimini recently







ASST POLICE COMMISSIONER VISITS BIMINI

Assistant Commissioner of Police John Ferguson, with responsibility for Family Islands, recently visited Bimini for a one day visit to the island during which time he spoke with the officers posted to the island and toured the Alice Town station facility. Accompanying ACP Ferguson was ASP Curtis of the Scenes of Crime/CSI section of the Force in Nassau. Also present was Sgt Pinder from the maintenance section of the Force. The officers in Bimini welcomed the visit as it was an oppoprtunity to ask questions of Mr Ferguson and to learn of new developments within the police service. Mr Ferguson offered the officers encouragement as they police the island to maintain the peace and good order of the community. He also brought the good wishes of Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.



ASP Michael Moxey OIC Bimini accompanies ACP John Ferguson
into the Alice Town police station.



The Officers in Bimini with ACP Ferguson. Front row (L-R) ASP Moxey;
ACP John Ferguson; ASP Curtis. Second row PC Colebrooke; Sgt Lockhart;
PC Ramsey; PC Ellis; PC Adderley Back Row PC Williams; PC Miller; PC Thompson;
Sgt Pinder; Cpl Thompson. Missing  Cpl Harvey; PC Moss; PC Sands; R/Insp Barry; R/Sgt Checkley
R/Const Pinder



POLICE VISIT CLASSES AND PRESENT SCHOOL SUPPLIES

The police officers in Bimini recently visited several classrooms on the island and presented boxes of school supplies for use by the students. They also presented classrooms with police posters reminding the young people that the police are there to help them should they need assistance for any reason. The police make regular visits to the schools and offer presentations on police related matters including decision making, peer pressure, proper internet use and drug and alcohol abuse.


Police Corporal 2854 Thompson visited Grade 2 at the Bimini Public School
and presented a box of school related supplies to Mrs Melissa Pinder.


Cpl 2854 Thompson presents a police poster to Grade 1 teacher
Mrs Seymour at the Bimini Public School. He also spoke to the
students on bike and road safety.


SUPT RONALD CAMPBELL VISITS BIMINI

Superintendent of Police Ronald Campbell recently visited Bimini and toured the island, met with many residents and held a staff meeting with the police officers working on the island. Mr Campbell was acting OIC Northern District of The Bahamas while Supt Noel Curry was on vacation.
Superintendent Campbell has a 35 year career with the police force and much of it has been associated with the famous Royal Bahamas Police Band of which he is director. The band will celebrate its 120th anniversary in 2013. It is the oldest division within the Bahamas Police Force.



Supt Campbell with Asst Supt Michael Moxey at Bimini.



Mr Campbell and Mr Moxey visited noted Bimini boat builder Ansil Saunders.


MAVIN SAUNDERS HONOURED

Mavin Saunders was recently honoured as the Young Person of The Month by the Royal Bahamas Police in Bimini. Mavin, 16, is the son of Elvis and Mavis Saunders of Bimini and is one of the top rated high school basketball players in the United States. Many American colleges are already offering him scholarships and several sports commentators say he is on the way to NBA. A "google" search of his name provides a bounty of information and stats on this young Biminite who attends school in Texas. He is also featured on YouTube. Cited by ASP Clarence Reckley as a "remarkable young person that all young people in Bimini can take up as an example of what happens when you are focused and determined" he added that parents can also see how important parental encouragement is.  Mr Reckley presented Mavin with his Young Person of The Month honours which included a certificate of honour, a medallion, an RBPF statue and a dinner for four at the Bimini Big Game Resort. The Big Game Resort is a primary sponsor of the programme. Mavin's father is a fisherman and his mother is a teacher at Gateway Academy in Bimini. Assistant Superintendent Reckley was acting OIC of Bimini while ASP Michael Moxey was on vacation.



Mavin Saunders with ASP Clarence Reckley.


CONSTABLE MOSS AND OTHERS COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED SEA CAPTAINS

Constable 2791 Benjamin Moss and several civilians together with a Customs Officer have completed their course of studies that will award each an internationally recognised sea captain's licence. The training was both practical and theory and covered a wide gammit of subjects related to navigation and safety at sea.
Recently, they took to the open sea to undertake several drills involving life saving techniques, survival at sea and life raft manoeuvrings while in peril at sea. Course instructor Captain Glynn K Lightbourne is delighted with the progress of the students. The programme was offered by Gadite Maritime and Navigational Institution, a nautical school based in Nassau.



Capt Glynn Lightbourne and PC 2791 Moss during an in-class session of the training
which led to a captain's licence.



At sea training with a life raft




Rough water and practicing life saving skills




PC Moss using a technique to bring fellow student Jack Levarity to safety in an
at sea life saving drill.



DRUG SIEZURE ON SOUTH BIMINI
 
A significant siezure of suspected drugs on South Bimini by the police thwarted apparent drug smuggler's attempts to make a gain off their illicit cargo. Acting on information, police in Bimini brought a swift end to an attempt to off-load and move a  large quantity of suspected marijuana packed in crockus sacks. Officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit in Nassau, under the command of ASP Charlton,  later secured the sacks and transported them to Nassau. Their subsequent investigations led to several arrests and persons have been placed before the courts. Officers from the SWAT team in Grand Bahama with ASP Bonamy also proceeded to Bimini to assist in the on-going operation.The drugs were valued at a little over $600,000. During the operation a person was killed as the result of a boating accident. The person was not from Bimini.



ASP Moxey of Bimini and officers stand near the police truck loaded
with sacks of suspected marijuana.




ASP Charlton of the DEU Nassau and his team help load the sacks
onto an awaiting helicopter for transport to Nassau.



POLICE ATTEND CHURCH SERVICE AND HOLD PARADE

The officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force posted to Bimini attended the Anglican Church of Our Lady and St Stephen recently for their annual church service followed by a parade. The officers traditionally attend a local church each year as a group to ask for God's blessing and protection. "Policing is difficult at times. It is an undertaking that requires great courage and good judgment and so it is fitting that we come to church as a body and ask for God's help," said ASP Michael Moxey, officer-in-charge of the Bimini division. "And we ask for the people of Bimini to pray for and with us," he added. Sgt 2107 Lockhart marshalled the parade.



The church service and police parade are annual events on Bimini.



Missing from the parade is PC Adderly, PC Miller, R/Insp Barry, R/Sgt Checkley, R/Const Pinder,
all of whom were on duty at the time of the service and parade. 


JARVIN CHANDLER CHOSEN POLICE YOUNG PERSON OF MONTH FOR MAY

Jarvin Chandler, son of Bimini's post mistress, Daisy Rolle, was selected as the Police Young Person of the Month for May 2011.  The young Person of The Month programme highlights outstanding young people who have chosen a "better way" and through positive lifestyle decisions are moving forward in their lives through education of careers. Jarvin Chandler is 23 and a college student where  he is highly respected and a high achiever. "Jarvin could have just become another statistic around here," said his mother, Daisy Rolle. "He could be smoking dope and sitting around letting his youth and life slip past him but he chose to be focused and he chose education as a way to better his life. I am really proud of him. I hope other young people in Bimini can learn from his example." she added. 
 
Jarvin receives his police award from Sergeant 2107 Gregory Lockhart while his mother, Daisy Rolle, looks on.

 
DEVASTATING FIRE DESTROYS HOMES IN PORGY BAY

A mid afternoon blaze recently destroyed three homes and left several persons completely homeless in the northern neighbourhood of Porgy Bay. The first structure to become engulfed in flames was owned by Patricia Davis and consisted of two aparments which quickly was in ruins. Another home nearby owned by Julie Rogers also caught on fire and was destroyed. Another home nearby owned by Jay Saunders received heavy smoke and water damage. Several other houses in the tightly packed area of homes received smoke damage. No one was injured.



The blaze, the cause of which is under investigation, was eventually brought under control by the Volunteer Fire Brigade and by police and BEC fire equipment.



PC 2638 Ellis assists with a hose as efforts were made to contain the
fire which quickly spread to other homes.






Police Fire Fighter Benjamin Moss trains a powerful hose
on the blaze. Seen here with Police Fire Fighter Robinson.



ASP Michael Moxey, officer in charge of the police service
in Bimini surveys the destruction of the fire which levelled the
residence of Julie Rogers. She and her brother along with several
others were left homeless.


SOCIAL SERVICES MINISTER FOULKES VISITS BIMINI

The Hon Dion Foulkes, M.P., the government minister responsible for Labour and Social Services travelled to Bimini to survey the fire damage and to speak with the persons most affected by the blaze which destroyed several homes and damaged others. The minister made an extensive visit to the scene in the company of island Adminstrator Sherrick Ellis, Chief Councillor Lloyd Edgecombe and Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Moxey. Officers from the Labour and Social Services ministry were also present.



The Hon Dion Foulkes encourages two of the children made homeless by the fire.



Minister of Social Services Dion Foulkes and ASP Moxey survey the fire damage.


FIRE TRAINING INTRODUCTION AT BIMINI BAY RESORT

Bimini Bay Resort sponsored a brief introductory fire training and prevention programme to its security ,among others, recently at the resort on North Bimini. The Royal Bahamas Police supported the initiative with Police Fire Officer Morgan Miller demonstrating hose handling skills, water pressure effects and safety equipment handling. He also demonstrated several features on the Bimini fire appliance which was donated to the community by Bimini Bay Resort four years ago.




"Fire training is very important. Everyone should have a basic feel for it because when a fire breaks out it takes time for the engine and the fire brigade to arrive. So, employees here at the resort can act as first responders until help arrives", said Officer Miller. "Fire fighting is really about fire safety.  "There is so much more to fighting a blaze than turning on a hose and these seminars give us an opportunity to help others prepare for a fire so they can assess it effectively and handle it properly", said Miller.  Fire Officer Miller indicated that this was the first of several seminars at the resort on both fire-fighting techniques and fire prevention. ASP Michael Moxey said "We're commited to keeping Bimini safe in every way and that includes from fire. We are working with local businesses, as we did here at Bimini Bay Resort, and we are on-going with our training for the volunteer brigade".



Fire Officer Miller adjusts a breathing mask for Carolyn Roker.
The air breathing apparatus is used by firefighters inside buidlings
where there is dense smoke and other harmful chemicals.




Bimini Bay Resort security officer Rico Barr talks with Fire Officer Miller
on the breathing apparatus used by fire fighters inside buildings.



"Keeping Bimini safe includes fire prevention and fire-fighting", said ASP Michael Moxey.
"The police fully support these demonstrations and seminars to promote fire awareness
and we're delighed to be working with the people at Bimini Bay Resort in this regard", he added.



BIMINI PUBLIC SCHOOL THANK THE POLICE FOR 4000 BOOKS

The principal of the Bimini Public School, Tammy Ellis-Elliot thanked the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Bimini for making it possible for the high school to receive over 4,000 school books for use in the school's library. "It is simply a wonderful gesture and a great gift to our school and we are so very grateful to the police for making it happen," said Mrs Ellis-Elliot.
The police in Bimini were contacted by a Canadian organisation "Bimini Bound" which was founded by a Canadian visitor to the island, John Ecker,  several years ago. The organisation collects books for the island. The organisation contacted the Community Relations Unit in Bimini to ask for their help in getting the books to the school. The police said yes. "It is a great endeavour and something the police want to be involved with as it helps to promote literacy which is vital," said R/Sgt 473 Michael Checkley.



Headmistress Tammy Ellis-Elliot thanks the Bimini police officers for 4000 school books.

The books were collected in Canada in the Whitby area north of Toronto, Ontario. They were sorted and packed by volunteers led by Eva Solomon in Canada and then shipped without charge to Fort Lauderdale. The police then arranged for the books to be sent to Bimini without charge by G&G Shipping. Once in Bimini the books were re-sorted according to age and grade level and then brought to the public school. "Education and of course greater literacy makes for a better student and students who can read well perform better and achieve more and are less likely to get into criminal activities as they get older. If this project of which we are part can help steer a youngf person in the right way then we claim success. We support our schools and we support literacy and these books are a testament to that," said ASP Michael Moxey, officer-in-charge of the police in Bimini. 
 

DPM BRENT SYMONETTE, MINISTER EARL DEVEAUX, HOUSE SPEAKER ALVIN SMITH AND  ASSISTANT POLICE COMMISSIONER JOHN FERGUSON VISIT BIMINI

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ASP Moxey(left) stands with ACP John Ferguson

Sgt 2107 Lockhart stands with ACP John Ferguson and Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette and Mrs Symonette
during their visit to Bimini Bay Resort recently.




The RBPF Pop Band provided entertainment on Bimini recently at ceremonies marking a new development stage for Bimini Bay Resort. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of the Environment and the Speaker of the House of Assembly. Assistant Commissioner of Police John Ferguson was also present.


POLICE MOTHERS KICK OFF POLICE MONTH IN BIMINI

Stephanie Dottin and Esther Rolle-Edgecombe initiated police month activities in Bimini by rasing the Police Flag at the Alice Town Police Station on March 1, the 171st anniversary of the establishment of the Bahamas police force.


L-R Imm Off Allan Smith, Stephanie Dottin, ASP Michael  Moxey,
Ch Imm Off Garnett Rolle, Esther Edgecombe

Stephanie Dottin is the mother of Corporal 1212 Lavardo Sherman who teaches at the Police College in Nassau. Esther Edgecombe is the mother of Police Constable 3447 Cory Rolle, currently attached to the mobile division in Freeport, Grand Bahama.


The flag raising ceremony was attended by Adminstrator Sherrick Ellis, J.P. and Ch Immigration Officer Garnett Rolle and Immigration Officer Allan Smith together with ASP Michael Moxey, officer-in-charge of the Bimini Division. A number of government workers and members of the public also witnessed the ceremony.

Following the ceremony the Big Game Resort and Marina hosted a breakfast for the police mothers and several invited guests including the island Administrator who thanked the two women for their participation in the ceremony and for raising "two fine young men who now serve this country as police officers."
ASP Moxey also thanked the mothers for the example of good living and proper values that they instilled in their sons. "This is a wonderful opportunity to thank police mothers everywhere for giving to this country fine sons and daughters who now serve as productive police officers in this country. All of us police say thank you to you both and to all police mothers", he added.





POLICE BLUE LAMP AWARD GIVEN TO IVY BROWN

Mrs Ivy Brown was recently presented with the police Blue Lamp Award recognisng her good-will, interest and care for the police officers posted to Bimini for over the past forty years. "She has been a good friend to the police here and very much a 'mother" to many of the men posted to Bimini for over the past forty years. That is a remarkable legacy and we deeply appreciate all that she has done", said Assistant Superintendent Tyrone Bethel, Officer-In-Charge of the police service in Bimini. "The Royal Bahamas Police is deeply grateful to you, Ivy", said Mr Bethel. The "Blue Lamp Award" is named after the traditional Blue Lamps found outside police stations throughout The Bahamas, the United Kingdom and much of the Commonwealth. It is a tradition which began in London, England in 1861. Ivy Brown is married to Sam Brown who operated Bimini's famous "Bus 1" for nearly fifty years, he being the first person to operate a commercial bus service on Bimini. Together they have a daughter and two sons. Ivy Brown has operated a small restaurant close to the Alice Town Police Station for over thirty years. "Miss Ivy has provided countless meals to officers over the years and more importantly she has been a comforter and a counsellor with a generous heart with a compassionate sense of understanding", added ASP Bethel




SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICER RECEIVES BLUE LAMP AWARD

Social Services Officer Jamie Carey Humes received a police Blue Lamp Award at ceremonies held at the Alice Town Police Station recently. The award ceremony was followed by a luncheon at the Bimini Big Game Resort and Marina.
Mrs Humes received the award from ASP Tyrone Bethel on the occasion of her transfer to Nassau after serving in Bimini since July 2007. "The relationship between Mrs Humes and her department and the police on Bimini was outstanding. On those matters that involved the police, Mrs Humes was professional, efficient and a pleasure to work with. We accomplished much", said Mr Bethel.
Mrs Humes entered the public service with the Department of Social Services in 2004. She is married to the Anglican priest The Rev'd Colin Humes. They have two children. Father Humes has been appointed to the Cathedral Church of Christ The King in Nassau.
The Blue Lamp Award is a local police award given to honour those persons who have distinguished themselves in the community and who have shown support for the police service, its objectives and programmes. It takes its name from the traditional blue lamps that burn outside Bahamian police stations and police stations in Britain and around the Commonwealth. The tradition of placing blue lamps outside police stations began in England in 1861.
 



Jamie Carey Humes receives the Blue Lamp Award from Assistant Superintendent Tyrone Bethel. Chief Welfare Officer Jodie Burrows from Grand Bahama was also present for the award ceremony and farewell luncheon.