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

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.