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ORG Exec.: Officer’s Dismissal A Necessary Step, But Not The Solution

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Organization for Responsible Governance Executive Director Matt Aubry shares his thoughts on the recent police dismissals.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s been an eventful week for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, with the resignation of Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander and the recent confirmation that Sergeant #2373 Prince Symonette has been discharged from the force after his indictment in a New York federal court. It’s also been recommended to discharge Chief Superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis, who was also named in the indictment.

Matt Aubry – Executive Director, Organization for Responsible Governance
“The current moves of dismissals within the force and the resignation of the police commissioner may be very important necessary steps, but we ultimately recognize that the conditions that got us here have taken a long time to develop, and as referenced by the commissioner, the PM, and others, this is a culture issue, and so as we address culture issues, it’s important to address them in systemic ways.”

Addressing Corruption Allegations and Culture Issues

While Wednesday’s House of Assembly session was largely overshadowed by Shanendon Cartwright’s throwing of the ceremonial mace and the events that followed, there was also the tabling of the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill, aiming to address issues and allegations of corruption against the police, Defense Force, and the Department of Corrections.

Matt Aubry – Executive Director, Organization for Responsible Governance
“The attention to that bill is something we’re really focused on.”

Matt Aubry – Executive Director, Organization for Responsible Governance
“Our thought is that’s important, but we also want to recognize that this culture shift is not limited to one part of government. So, going back to work after a long time, how do we look at setting up an overall integrated cross-sector framework? How do we handle all of us as a whole of society approach, utilizing ourselves to make sure that these things are as hard to happen as possible, that there are no incentives to trying to get around the system, and then there’s all kinds of positives and benefits to doing the right thing when no one’s watching?”

Cultural Changes Needed for Long-Term Reform

The executive director says it’s also important to address the cultural aspect of the situation to prevent things like this from happening again.

Matt Aubry – Executive Director, Organization for Responsible Governance
“The energy and the time that we need to focus on positive and sustainable changes in our social and economic opportunities is one that we want to be able to put forward in an integrated and proactive way, not one that we’re doing in response to a bad actor or circumstance that sullies the reputation of the Bahamas. So yes, corrective action can happen when a bad thing happens, but it’s probably better if we address this on our own terms, get in front of it, and keep going to make sure that this is understood: The Bahamas really prioritizes integrity.”