National

ACP Knowles In 2023: One Day We Will Have A Female Commissioner

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – “We’ve had women in all ranks except the office of commissioner. And one day, women will take charge of that office.” -ACP Shanta Knowles one year before her COP appointment.

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Joshua Williams

Shanta Knowles – Incoming Commissioner, RBPF
“We’ve had women in all ranks except the office of commissioner. And one day, women will take charge of that office.”

Little did Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles know at the time, that just one year later, she would be the one called to serve as the first female and 10th commissioner of the police force. It’s the culmination of a journey that started thirty-three years ago.

Just before this, Knowles was promoted to assistant commissioner and officer in charge of the northern division.

Shanta Knowles – Incoming Commissioner, RBPF
“I realize that I have some big shoes to fill, but I can guarantee you Grand Bahama that I am prepared for the task at hand. I look forward to the support of all of you. Please know that I have been watching the work that you have been doing here in the Northern Bahamas.”

This appointment to commissioner comes after Prime Minister Philip Davis received and accepted outgoing commissioner Clayton Fernander’s resignation following public outcry for him to do so. These calls stemmed from numerous alleged corruption scandals and investigations this year.

The prime minister, in a national address Wednesday night, described Knowles as a strong and seasoned professional, ready for the task. At her latest appointment last year, Fernander also expressed confidence in women leadership, unknowingly predicting his predecessor.

Clayton Fernander – Outgoing Commissioner, RBPF
“You could see there’s a female knocking on the door to be the next commissioner of police. We have so many talents in different areas, females leading and commanding different units within the organization. So I support that, with females moving to that level, we had two deputy commissioners that are females and who even acted as deputy commissioner of police who acted as commissioner of police.”

Now the prime minister has confirmed that there will be more changes to come within the police force. We expect for a date to be announced soon for the swearing-in of incoming commissioner Shanta Knowles.