The Late Paul Farquharson

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Paul Farquharson was born January 10, 1949, in Burnt Ground, Long Island to parents Ural Farquharson and Martha Knowles.  

He received his high school education from Glinton’s All-Age School and started working from the young age of 14.  

On December 12, 1966, Farquharson enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Described as an aspiring officer, Paul was focused and diligent in his duties, and continue his development attending institutions in the evening.  

Mentoring by noted Justice the late Emmanuel Osadabey and Psychologist Dr.Timothy McCartney, reinforced his foundation and helped him climb steadily through the ranks of the police force.  

His career led to many high-profile assignments, including aide-de-camp to his Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe; and his Grace, the Most Reverend and Rt. Honorable Dr. Robert Runcie.  

While on assignment at Government House for an extended period, Farquharson served as aide-de-camp to former Governor General, the late Sir Gerald Cash, from 1984 to 1988. His career continued to advance rapidly. Attaining the rank of sergeant within his first eight years of service and reached the gazetted rank of assistant superintendent in 1988.  

He later achieved the rank of assistant commissioner in July 1996 and four years later in January of 2000, assumed the role of acting commissioner and immediately embarked on vigorous public relations campaigns. Farquharson took to the streets with his administrative team, community and religious leaders seeking ways to improve their service to the Bahamian people. He was confirmed as commissioner of police in November 2001. 

Farquharson held a strong vision for the force, one that included weeding out corruption and protecting his officers while they pursued criminals. He is credited for the introduction of a number of policies that helped him achieve this goal that led to the effective running of the force. 

He is also credited for introducing a new school and visitor patrol units and the Urban Renewal program and was also a key player in establishing several associations including the first Caribbean Women’s Police Association and the Retired Police Officers’ Association. 

Within his decorated career, Mr. Farquharson received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Louisiana Baptist University, and a diploma in Applied Criminology and Police Studies from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Numerous other professional certifications made him a distinguished and well-educated leader. 

After 40 years of service, Farquharson retired as police commissioner in 2008. 

On February 21st that same year. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II received Farquharson and his wife Sharon, on his appointment as high commissioner for the Bahamas in London in the private audience room at Buckingham Palace. A full circle moment for the public servant whose career prepared him to shake hands with the queen.