Brittany Harris writes the Canadian Prime Minister on the Appointment of Mr. Clayton Fernander; The Bahamas Consul General to Canada

I wrote the Mark Carney Prime Minister of Canada 🇨🇦and the Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing as a concerned member of the public to respectfully request that the Government of Canada undertake an appropriate review and investigation into the appointment and presence in Canada of Mr. Clayton Fernander, former Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who is currently serving as Consul General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Canada.

This request is made in the interest of transparency, public confidence, and the integrity of Canada’s diplomatic and national security standards.

Mr. Fernander resigned from his position as Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in December 2024.  His resignation followed significant public controversy surrounding serious criminal matters that arose under his leadership and are now before the courts.

During Mr. Fernander’s tenure as Commissioner, the following documented and factual events occurred:

- United States federal indictments were issued against senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for drug and firearms trafficking, with those officers arrested and prosecuted in New York.  These matters are before the United States courts and occurred while Mr. Fernander was Commissioner.

- Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson, then head of the Criminal Investigations Unit, was removed from his position following the public release of voice recordings involving the bribery of a known criminal figure connected to a million-dollar armoured truck robbery.  This matter is also before the courts.

- The killing of Mr. Azario Major, an unarmed Bahamian man who was shot and killed by police officers.  This incident has been the subject of public inquiry, judicial proceedings, and documentary examination, and has significantly impacted public trust in law enforcement leadership during that period.

In addition to the above, I wish to clearly distinguish the following as allegations, which I respectfully ask Canadian authorities to independently assess:

- There have long been allegations within Bahamian and Canadian law-enforcement and community circles regarding a close relationship between Mr. Fernander and Daran Neely, also known as “Monster,” an alleged gang leader associated with the so-called “Dirty South Gang.”

- This gang has been linked to violent criminal activity, including a serious robbery-murder in Windsor, Ontario, involving Bahamian nationals.

- It has been alleged that Mr. Neely benefited from protection during Mr. Fernander’s tenure as Commissioner.  Following Mr. Fernander’s resignation, that protection allegedly ceased, and Mr. Neely was later killed.  These points are presented strictly as allegations for the purpose of requesting independent review.

It is also a matter of public record that Mr. Fernander maintains a close personal relationship with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Right Honourable Philip Edward Davis.  Despite Mr. Fernander’s resignation amid public outcry and ongoing court matters involving senior officers under his leadership, he was subsequently appointed to a senior diplomatic post in Canada.

In light of the seriousness of these facts and concerns, I respectfully request:

1. A review of the vetting and acceptance process that led to Mr. Fernander’s appointment as Consul General in Canada.

2. An assessment by appropriate Canadian authorities of whether his presence and role are consistent with Canada’s standards for diplomatic engagement, public safety, and the rule of law.

3. That relevant national security, law-enforcement, and foreign-affairs agencies be permitted to independently examine the court records, indictments, and public materials related to the above matters.

This letter does not seek to assert guilt, but rather to request due diligence, accountability, and transparency.  Canada’s reputation for upholding democratic values and the rule of law makes such a review both reasonable and necessary.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust this matter will receive the seriousness it warrants.

Respectfully,

Brittany Harris  

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Source / Comment

Two Deputy Commissioners of Police Appointed to an already Top-heavy Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF)

One Deputy Commissioner of Police would be sufficient, says Official Opposition Leader - Michael Pintard

POLITICS: Prime Minister Philip Davis, via a press statement issued Saturday afternoon, blasted Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard who publicly stated his disapproval of government’s intent to appoint two Deputy Commissioners of Police.

Deputy Commissioners of Police Kirkwood Andrews and Anthony Rolle were officially sworn into office during a Swearing In ceremony held at Government House this afternoon.

Pintard told media ahead of the appointment that one Deputy Commissioner would be sufficient, and supported the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Kirkwood Andrews, but questioned why government needed to appoint Rolle as a second Deputy Commissioner as well.

The Prime Minister said, “I was disappointed, though not terribly surprised, to learn that the Leader of the Opposition has chosen to be in full attack mode rather than playing a more constructive role.”

“His comments regarding the appointment of a Deputy Commissioner of Police are unfounded and unhelpful.”

He continued, “Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Rolle is a leader who has dedicated decades of service to protecting our communities, often at great personal sacrifice. His instrumental role in the Urban Renewal Program has been transformative, fostering safer neighborhoods and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the Bahamian people.”

The Prime Minister stated that he is confident that the “Bahamian people are rooting for the RBPF’s new leadership team, and praying that they will find only success in their efforts to change and reform the force, to fight gangs, violence, and disorder, and to restore trust in our communities. Michael Pintard should do the same.”

Source

The Bahamas Bar Association President, Kahlil Parker, KC, indicated that the organization will not rush to judgment on allegations that an attorney has involvement in leaked voice notes that led to Chief Superintendent of Police, Michael Johnson going on leave

Calls on The Bahamas Bar Association to comment on allegations of recordings, and allegations that an attorney has involvement in leaked voice notes that led to Chief Superintendent of Police, Michael Johnson on leave  

The Bahamas Bar Association said yesterday it will not allow itself to be coaxed into “rash action” regarding allegations surrounding the leaked voice notes that led to Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson going on leave earlier this month.

Those audio recordings, which were shared on Facebook by a user who purports to be a whistleblower, detail purported conversations between a man who identified himself as Mikey, at the time a wanted suspect, and two other men.

In the wake of the release of the recordings, and allegations that an attorney has involvement in the matter now under investigation by police, at least one attorney has called on the Bar Association to comment on the allegations.

But Bar Association President Kahlil Parker, KC, indicated that the organization will not rush to judgment.

“The Bahamas Bar Association advocates consistently for the transparent, considered, and fair administration of justice in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and cannot therefore allow itself or its processes to be cajoled or harangued into rash action with respect to a clearly evolving situation or otherwise,” Parker said in a statement.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force has publicly declared its pending investigation, which we support. We will closely observe that process and look forward to the publication of the results thereof. It is anathema to our mandate to engage in reckless and uniformed commentary that may undermine the proper investigation of substantive matters of concern.”

Parker said the Bar Association will not be making further comments on the situation.

Last week, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said the RBPF’s Security and Intelligence Branch was overseeing an investigation into the voice recordings. Fernander said international entities from the US and UK will also assist in the investigation to ensure the probe is “independent, impartial and fair”.

One of the men captured on the recordings, is said to be Michael Fox Jr., who was shot dead in May. Last week, Fox’s father, Michael Fox Sr., told The Tribune it was his son’s voice in the recordings and claimed he had the voice notes in his possession but did not release them.

The audio details separate conversations with the wanted suspect purportedly attempting to negotiate turning himself in to police and what it would cost for him to be released after he is questioned.

On Friday, Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Michaela Barnett-Ellis said the allegations have shaken public confidence in the legal system.

“It is imperative that we continue to have absolute confidence in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the courts and the members of our Bar Association,” Barnett-Ellis said. “We must be confident in their ability to act justly, honestly and to uphold the law without fear or favor.”

After the recordings went viral earlier this month, Fernander announced that Johnson has gone on garden leave, pending the investigation. During this time, Johnson will receive his full pay and benefits.

Paul Rolle Falls on His Sword in the Execution of His Moral Duties and Responsibilities as Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force - RBPF

An open to Mr. Paul Rolle, former Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police – RBPF

Paul Rolle Fell on His Sword

Dear Mr. Paul Rolle:

You made me feel totally liberated today – when I read your cowardly words about how you were thinking about leaving the Force once again, but this time – you said that it was all about being forced to do something against your will in the execution of your duties – by senior politicians at the time.

I feel so liberated because I have been fired from a number of jobs in my life, simply because I respectfully spoke my mind and held my position; even if it means starving to death -bro.

I’ll live with principles.

You chose to be a coward, just to keep your job! That’s not a quality of a real man, in my opinion.

Carry on smartly.

Regards,

Dennis Dames

Bahamians Should Be Critically Concerned about The Level of Criminality in The Bahamas

Some members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (past and present) have been accused of working on the opposite side of the law and in engaging in misconduct in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases

The Bahamas Crime Crisis

The Police, Crime And Criminality

By Charles Fawkes

Nassau, The Bahamas

07/05/2004

HOUSE OF LABOUR:  Given the revelation of the Lorequin Commission of Inquiry regarding the alleged criminal conduct of individuals of the Defence Force and the shortcomings of the police force, Bahamians should be critically concerned about the level of criminality in The Bahamas.  Bahamian workers these days are living behind barbed wire fences, steel barred windows and doors because of the fear of crime- despite the high profile of the police and their high-powered public relations campaign.

Crime in The Bahamas continues to climb despite mounting national concern, the introduction of stiffer penalties for offenders and increased police visibility throughout local communities.  The crime figures for this year are expected to continue the upward spiral and all indications are that crime will continue to mushroom.

In almost every area of serious crime, the trend continues to be a movement upward – upward in terms of both quantity and severity.  Most social analysts do not wish to accept the quarterly figure that the police some times use to justify their approach to crime as correct.  Statistics can be manipulated unless the whole picture is given.

The crime issue has been the subject of widespread public debate and will continue to be an issue of national importance.  Before coming to power the PLP had foreshadowed taking a heavier hand in the control of crime and in the administration of justice.  From subsequent debates in the House of Parliament, many politicians seemed prepared to deny convicts all civil liberties and to transform The Bahamas into a police state in the name of combating crime; and, on this wave of alarmism, support could be galvanized for laws with stiffer penalties for criminal offenses, for capital punishment and for the enforcement of archaic laws mandating the beating of convicts as part of sentencing.

Despite all of these perceived crime-fighting initiatives, there has been no noticeable impact on the crime crisis.  As a matter of fact, a more daring and open element has been added to criminal activity in recent years and even some members of the police force (past and present) have been accused of working on the opposite side of the law and in engaging in misconduct in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.

While crime continues to escalate and officials persist in suppressing crime statistics, the gloom of rampant social and economic hardship are overtaking Bahamian communities and strangling the hopes and aspirations of law abiding citizens.  These communities are becoming incubators for infectious criminal mentality and a social decadence that touches every strata of Bahamian society.  The more people know about the crime problem, as it exists in The Bahamas, the more intelligently they can approach the question of solution.  Holding back the crime statistics the way it is practiced now runs counter to this idea and is a tremendous disservice to the public who, in the end, are victimized by the epidemic.

“Varnished Brass”, a book by John Gregory Dunne has these opening lines: “What most people do not understand about policemen is that they are bureaucrats and, no matter how dedicated, all but the most exceptional adhere to that most fundamental commandment of any bureaucracy – “protect your backs”.

There are, however, fundamental facts about police work that most people do not understand and seem to forget.  One of these facts is that in our class divided society, policemen like all workers are exploited.  They are also used as instruments of coercion and enforcement by the ruling class.  We know that the ruling class in societies like our own consists of the monies interests for whose benefits the laws are passed.  Because of their special role, the police are usually the object of the anger and the frustration of the people,  when the real oppressors are the members of the ruling class who make the laws and in effect give the orders.  Given what has been said, when things go sour for the rulers as we are now witnessing, the policemen are the first to be sacrificed and thrown to the wolves.  It is because of occupational hazards like these that policemen even more than other “bureaucrats”, adhere to the bureaucrat’s commandment – “protect your back”

It is also true that because of the nature of his work, we tend to think that the policeman is different from other workers.  He is not.  Conditions in society, which affect other workers, also affect the policeman.  He has a wife who goes to the food store and must decide what will be cut from the shopping list because her budget is too small.  He has a child with promise attending a government school, but he knows that his dreams for his child and the profession that he has in mind for it may not materialize, unless he can get him or her into St. John’s College, Queen’s College, or similar schools.  It is to the private schools that senior police officers and the other privileged members of society send their children, and average workers are killing themselves trying to send their children to such schools.  It should be obvious by now that the average policeman faces the same obstacles that stem form class and privilege as his fellow workers.

The typical rank and file policeman is tired of paying rent, but even with their combined salaries, his wife and himself still have difficulty saving the down payment for a home of their own.  He like the average worker also has a car, which it seems is always in need of expensive repairs, but he has to scrap the money, for the car is absolutely essential for family transportation.  The policeman or policewoman like every other worker must also contend with the emergencies which make demands onto heir inadequate salary, so he or she is denied luxuries and has to scuffle just to meet medical and dental bills.

What makes the policemen’s plight even worse, is that in neocolonial countries such as The Bahamas, they work under an archaic and repressive colonial system that gives a minimum of expression to the aspirations of the rank and file.  In some cases, it is very dehumanizing.  Most policemen despite all this talk about a ‘new police force’ and devolution are concerned, that the colonial masters have not left.  The same rigid, hierarchical system, which our former English masters, established in the colony to keep the native policeman in his place, still exists.

In The Bahamas, rank and file policeman constantly complain of favoritism and victimization in the department but have few avenues for redress.  Many would leave the force immediately, if they were not trapped by a contract and if there were other jobs available.

Finally, it is true that most policemen are honest and try to do the best job they can.  However, with the recent charges of brutality as dishonesty, it is easy to think otherwise.

 

Charles Fawkes is President of the National Consumer Association, Consumer columnist for the Nassau Guardian and organizer for the Commonwealth Group of Unions, Editor of the Headline News, The Consumerguard and The Worker’s Vanguard.