Your Excellency, Friends,
Good afternoon.
Today, as we gather to mark this significant transition in leadership, I can’t help but reflect on my own childhood memories.
Growing up, I watched my father, Brave Senior, with immense pride as he put on his police uniform. I remember helping him shine his gold buttons and polish his shoes and belt, small tasks that taught me so much about the discipline, honour, and pride that come with serving this country.
It was through those moments that I came to understand the profound responsibility that the uniform represents—not just a duty to uphold the law but a commitment to protect, serve, and lead with integrity. Those values were instilled in me from an early age, and they remain a guiding principle in everything I do.
As I stand here today, I feel it is important to acknowledge the feelings that many Bahamians have expressed about our institutions, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the people of this country deserve institutions they can trust. Without trust, the very foundation of our democracy and public safety begins to erode.
I know that, for too many, trust in our police force has been shaken. Stories of misconduct, corruption, and a lack of accountability have left a stain that cannot be ignored.
And let me be clear, ignoring these realities serves no one—not the officers who wear the uniform with pride, not the communities who depend on their service, and not the leadership tasked with overseeing them.
This is why rebuilding that trust is not just a priority; it is an urgent necessity. It’s not enough to say we are committed to change. We must show it — through transparency, accountability, and actions that match our words.
I know that the actions of a few have cast a shadow over the entire force. But I also know that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is filled with good, hardworking men and women who are dedicated to protecting and serving this nation. We cannot allow the misdeeds of some to overshadow the integrity of the many who risk their lives every day for the safety of our communities.
This moment is about resetting the standard. It is about making it clear that no one is above the law, not even those tasked with upholding it. It is about ensuring that every officer, from the newest recruit to the most senior leader, understands the weight of the uniform they wear, and the responsibility it carries.
The path forward begins now. Rebuilding trust will not happen overnight, and it will not be easy. It will require vigilance, honesty, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. But I believe in the strength of this institution and in the resolve of the Bahamian people to demand and support meaningful change.
I have said it before, and I will say it again: we will shake the tree until every bad apple falls. And if shaking the tree isn’t enough, we will cut it at the root to ensure no more bad fruit grows. The actions of a few cannot and will not be allowed to tarnish this organization’s reputation or our country’s good name.
To those who think they can hide behind the badge and engage in wrongdoing, there is no place for you in this Force.
We have zero tolerance for those who do not wish to be accountable.
Our commitment to rooting out corruption is not just about cleaning house—it is about safeguarding the honour of this institution and restoring the trust of the Bahamian people. The people of this country deserve a Police Force they can respect, one that operates with integrity and transparency, and one that stands firmly against any abuse of power.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to send a message — not just within the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, but to every institution in this country.
That message is simple: accountability is non-negotiable. This is how we protect the dignity of our institutions and ensure that every Bahamian feels secure, respected, and valued.
Friends,
Today, we honour one of our country’s finest sons, Commissioner Clayton Fernander. Commissioner, your journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the Royal Bahamas Police Force is a story of resilience, dedication, and service to this nation.
For over four decades, you have devoted your life to protecting and serving the Bahamian people.
You are a man of integrity, a leader who has always put country above self. Your long and proud career exemplifies what it means to wear the uniform with honour.
From the streets of San Salvador and Bain Town to the Commissioner’s Office, your leadership has been marked by a tireless commitment to making The Bahamas a safer place for all.
You have navigated challenging times with wisdom and strength, introducing innovative approaches to crime fighting and modernizing the Force in ways that will be felt for years to come.
Commissioner Fernander, your legacy is one of action, courage, and compassion.
You have been a source of strength for your officers, a voice of reason in difficult times, and a steadfast protector of the Bahamian people. Today, as you step into a new chapter, you do so with the gratitude of an entire nation.
On behalf of the Bahamian people, I thank you for your incredible service. You have made your family, your community, and your country proud. May the next chapter of your life bring you the peace and joy that you so richly deserve.
And so now Friends,
We welcome Commissioner-Designate Shanta Knowles, a leader uniquely equipped to take on the enormous challenges our nation faces.
Commissioner-Designate Knowles, your appointment comes at a critical time when the Royal Bahamas Police Force must rise to confront the pressing issues of crime and public safety, while rebuilding the trust of the Bahamian people.
From your early days in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, to becoming the first female Commissioner of Police in the history of our nation, your journey reflects the power of hard work and the strength of character. It has not been an easy road, but you have walked it with grace, courage, and a steadfast belief in the values that define this noble institution.
You have spent your career preparing for this moment, proving time and again that you possess the vision, strength, and determination needed to lead.
You have not just broken barriers; you have excelled in every role you’ve taken on, earning the respect of your peers and the confidence of this nation.
This is a pivotal moment for our country, and we need a leader who understands that fighting crime is about more than enforcement—it’s about engagement, rebuilding communities, and restoring faith in our institutions. Commissioner-Designate Knowles, I am confident that you are that leader.
Your ability to combine strategic thinking with a deep understanding of the realities our communities face makes you the right person to steer the Force into a new era.
Your leadership will be defined by actions that rebuild trust — trust between the police and the public, trust in our institutions, and trust in the idea that justice will always prevail.
The Bahamian people need to know that their safety is your highest priority, and I have no doubt that you will meet this challenge head-on with integrity and unwavering resolve.
Commissioner-Designate Knowles, the road ahead will not be easy, but you are ready for it. This nation believes in you, and I know you will inspire your team to deliver on the promise of a safer, stronger Bahamas.
As you take on this mantle of leadership, know that you have the support of this government, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the people of The Bahamas.
This is your time to lead, to inspire, and to deliver the change our country needs.
We believe in you, Commissioner-Designate Knowles, and we look forward to the brighter days your leadership will help us achieve.
The issue of crime is not one that can be solved by the police alone, nor can it be addressed solely by government policies. It is a reflection of something far deeper—a collective challenge that requires the attention, action, and commitment of every Bahamian.
Crime is not just about laws broken; it is about the erosion of the values that bind us together as a society. When families fracture, when communities turn inward, and when wrongdoing is tolerated because of familiarity or convenience, we all lose a piece of who we are.
This is not a problem of policing alone; it is a problem that calls on us to reflect as a nation. What do we stand for? What do we wish to pass on to future generations? These are not questions for the Police Force alone — they are questions for every parent, teacher, leader, and citizen who calls this country home.
The fight against crime requires a whole-of-society response. It begins with parents who teach their children respect and responsibility. It continues with community leaders who foster unity and cooperation. It demands a government that listens, adapts, and supports solutions that address the root causes of violence and lawlessness.
We must all play our part. Crime does not affect one community, one family, or one person—it affects us all. And so, the solution must come from all of us. It will require not only enforcement but engagement. Not only justice but fairness. Not only leadership but shared responsibility.
We cannot allow crime to define us or to dictate the narrative of who we are. This is a moment to reclaim our sense of unity, to strengthen our communities, and to rebuild the trust that allows us to stand together as one people.
Let us confront this challenge not with blame, but with determination. Not with division, but with unity. For the fight against crime is, at its heart, a fight for the soul of our nation. And it is a fight we must face together.
To the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, today marks the start of a new era for this proud organization.
You are the backbone of our nation’s safety, and I want you to know that better days are ahead. This Force will rise stronger, more united, and more committed to justice and integrity than ever before.
To the people of The Bahamas, I know trust is earned, and your Police Force is ready to earn it.
With your support and their dedication, we will rebuild confidence and create a future where every community feels secure.
Congratulations again Commissioner-Designate Knowles. May the Lord continue to bless you, our beloved Bahamaland and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.