National Security Minister Defends Mass Police Promotions Amid Growing Controversy

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – National Security Minister Myles LaRoda is defending the recent promotion of more than 1,000 Royal Bahamas Police Force officers, insisting those who moved up the ranks earned and deserved their promotions.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“An exercise of 831 regular officers, 550 reserves. I’m advised by the Commissioner of Police that every one of those officers went through police complaints and corruption and were all cleared.”

But the promotion exercise is now facing scrutiny, with questions being raised about some of the officers who made the list.

Among them was an officer who was promoted from inspector to assistant superintendent.

Our News understands that officer was previously rebuked by the Court of Appeal for kneeling on a man’s neck in a case that resulted in thousands of dollars in damages being awarded against the government.

And that’s raising questions about whether past alleged misconduct and court rulings are being taken into account when officers are considered for promotion.

When asked about those concerns, LaRoda doubled down on his response.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“As I said, every one of the officers that were promoted, I’m advised by the Commissioner of Police, their files went in front of police, the corruption, and they were all cleared for promotions.”

And the questions didn’t stop there.

LaRoda was also pressed about controversy surrounding a senior officer’s involvement in the promotion process, amid allegations connecting that officer to a serious criminal matter.

The minister challenged how the question was worded before insisting that no officer facing criminal charges sat on the promotion tribunal.

Myles LaRoda – Minister of National Security

“Be careful of how you word these. That issue was also raised. No officer who had an issue with being charged, or no charged officer, sat on the tribunal.”