Family Island Administrators: “It’s Good Because The Police Are Sometimes The Only Ones Here Anyway”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The current and former national security ministers remain at odds over Family Island police driving ambulances, but how do Family Islanders feel about it? Two Family Island administrators are revealing how it impacts their local communities and the many roles officers step into daily on their respective islands.

The decision to allow police officers to drive ambulances on the Family Islands has created quite a stir. A recent initiative launched by the Public Hospitals Authority, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, selected seventeen officers to undergo emergency vehicle operations training, with plans to deploy them where EMTs are unavailable.

It’s a short-term fix, according to Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville, but for North Andros Administrator Beverley Laramore, the potential impact is lasting.

Beverley Laramore – Administrator, North Andros
“It is a good direction in that police are already trained for emergency purposes, and when driving an ambulance, you need to be vigilant and you need to be trained properly in order to get persons safely from one point to the next, as well as the other motorists on the road.”

For North Abaco Administrator Stephen Wilson, it’s a good initiative, once done the right way.

Stephen Wilson – Administrator, North Abaco
“I think it would be obviously best if we have community leaders, community persons involved in that exercise. We know that the police have a very hectic job to do, but it’s always good that we can train our own to work in this particular area.”

For years, our Family Islands, especially the smaller ones, struggled with resources when it comes to emergency response and traffic-related injuries, with officers often going beyond the call of duty.

Beverley Laramore – Administrator, North Andros
“Most Family Islands are remote, not all have specialized trained persons there. But they do always have a police officer. And so ensuring that all islands are represented, I think the police was a good way to go because they are already there. Once trained, we will be ensuring that the medical services will be rendered properly.”

The decision is sparking criticism from former National Security Minister Marvin Dames, who told The Tribune earlier this week that police officers shouldn’t be “stretched too thin.” His comments were blasted by current National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who described Dames as uninformed, petty, and bitter.

The second phase of the training is currently underway.