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