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

WE NEED A NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE NOW! ... The commissioner of police is a nice man... but he has to go... We need Steven Seymour to take over the police force.... He knows about operations

By Kevin Alcena:





Too much crime that could be prevented. Eight people got shot in a bar one day. Two robberies happened simultaneously today. The police will tap law abiding citizens' phones indiscriminately, yet you tell me they know all of these gangs and drug lords. Look at Cheryl Grant's case. They even wrote a bogus report to serve a political expedience. If they could do it to her what about us. She was a deputy prosecutor. They denied her a place in history. You can't use your cell phones in a free democracy. You need to go on Skype to have private conversations. This should not be happening in the Bahamas in a free democracy. You have to assume that your phone is tapped when you use it.

If the police were doing their jobs they would have known the criminals' whereabouts and could have prevented the shoot out in the bar. We even have the technology to track you by your phone and yet they cannot prevent crime from a counter-intelligence point of view and track the criminals. But they would name and shame innocent citizens and write bogus intelligence reports to serve their purpose. This is sad! The police have solved crimes in the past by locating people by way of cell phones. This country is at war with crime. If we don't resolve it, this will kill our tourist industry. The thugs are illiterate, they are not sophisticated. Let the police make their lives living hell and crime unpopular. We have one of the most intelligent police force. Something is wrong. In an island 21 by 7 miles one can find anyone in Nassau. This is a village, we know where everyone lives and everyone's business. We should be able to stop crime collectively as citizens. It's only a handful committing the crimes, but we need the citizens to assist the police now.

All banks should have CCTV. The government does not need to foot the bill for this. Businesses should be happy to do this. This is a tremendous deterrent to crime throughout the world. This commissioner of police should know how to bring technology to the force because he is technologically savvy.

The commissioner of police is a nice man but he has to go. We need Steven Seymour to take over the police force. He knows about operations. Crime is a direct result of police leadership. Five o'clock and all commanding officers go home. The one who was getting good results they decided to send him to Elizabeth Estates - Supt. Robert Young. The last shuffle was a disaster. They should bring Supt. Lundy from Freeport to run CDU. It was a good move to bring Supt. Pickstock back from Freeport to run Rapid Strike. I am sure the new government had something to do with that. Police are only responding to crime. The most ridiculous comment by the Commissioner in the past was that the murders were drug related.

This island is only 21 miles by 7 miles; we should not even have crime in this country. The priorities should switch. Crimes can be prevented. We know all criminals so why are they not being monitored. We should know where they sleep, eat. Nassau is the tourist mega of the Bahamas.

The previous and current governments have equipped the police force with the most sophisticated equipment to fight crime but they are not applying it. They are only applying police politics.

Therefore, if the government decides to keep the Commissioner of Police, the Minister of National Security must reorganize the entire force operation. The most encouraging thing I was impressed by is the National Intelligence Agency by way of legislation. I have been advocating this for the last 15 years. Thank God it is coming!

I am optimistic that we will win the war against crime, but we the citizens must participate in this effort.

From Kevin Alcena - Facebook

WikiLeaks, former Acting Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson, Politics and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF)

Ferguson wanted top cops dismissed

By BRENT DEAN
NG Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com


Cable reveals power struggle in police force


Then Acting Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson in early 2009 told United States Embassy officials that he had recommended to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as early as November 2007 that all but one of the then assistant commissioners of police be dismissed, including now Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, according to a U.S. embassy diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.

The February 2009 confidential cable revealed that the only assistant commissioner Ferguson thought should remain was Marvin Dames. Dames, who was subsequently made deputy commissioner in January 2010, is now leaving the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) to reportedly head the security division at Baha Mar.

According to the cable, Ferguson told embassy officials at that time that he flatly refused to work with Greenslade, “admitting that he had caused Greenslade to be sent to Canada for training.

“Ferguson bluntly stated that he does not favor Greenslade to become the next police commissioner, and said he wished to retain only Dames, whom he clearly favors as a future successor.”

When contacted about the cable, Ferguson said he had no comment.

“The acting commissioner is apparently against Greenslade for supporting an attempt late in the previous Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration to sideline Ferguson through a dead-end appointment to a position at the Police College,” said the cable.

“Ferguson's career prospects improved, however, after the Free National Movement (FNM) won the May 2007 elections (Ferguson’s brother, Johnley, is a high-ranking FNM party official).”

The allegation that Greenslade supported the PLP’s move of Ferguson was not substantiated.

Dames and Ferguson worked closely together for many years when Ferguson was the assistant commissioner with responsibility for crime and Dames was his number two as head of the Central Detective Unit (CDU).

Politics and the force

The constitution of The Bahamas politicizes the appointment of the executive command of the force. The prime minister, through various consultations, essentially appoints all assistant commissioners, the deputy commissioner and the commissioner of police.

In March 2007, shortly before the general election, the Perry Christie administration appointed a large number of new executives in the force.

Greenslade, Ruben Smith, Reginald Ferguson and Allan Gibson were named senior assistant commissioners.

Marvin Dames, Chris McCoy, James Carey, Kirkland Hutchinson, Eugene Cartwright and Juanita Colebrooke were each promoted to the post of assistant commissioner of police. At the time, John Rolle was deputy commissioner and Paul Farquharson was commissioner.

There was controversy when the Christie administration named the large number of assistant commissioners. Traditionally, there were around four to five assistant commissioners. Adding to the controversy was the decision to relegate Ferguson, one of the most senior officers in the force, to head the Police College. This command was usually held by a more junior officer.

There was tension between Reginald Ferguson and the then PLP government. It perceived him as an antagonist and a supporter of the FNM.

Reshaping the force

It is unclear if the moves made in the force were solely or partially made based on Ferguson’s recommendations or not, but nearly all of the assistant commissioners Ferguson reportedly recommended to be replaced were ‘retired’ from the force.

In January 2009, McCoy, Colebrook, Hutchinson, Cartwright and Carey all left the force, along with a group of other senior officers below the rank of assistant commissioner. Gibson and Smith had previously retired as senior assistant commissioners.

Dames and Greenslade, the two main candidates to be the next commissioner of police, had spent much of 2008 training in Canada.

“By sending Greenslade and Dames abroad, the new GCOB (Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas) avoided a potentially divisive succession struggle while developing the leadership capacity of two young up-and-coming officers in line with its drive to modernize the force,” said the embassy in the cable.

“It also avoided an untimely squabble with the new acting commissioner, who desired a free hand in making top appointments and made no secret of his preference for Dames over Greenslade.”

Despite Ferguson’s preference, he was not able to stop the ascent of Greenslade.

In January 2009, when the group of assistant commissioners was retired, Greenslade became the acting deputy commissioner and Dames the senior assistant commissioner responsible for Grand Bahama.

“Ferguson hoped to remain as acting commissioner for several years longer, which would also help him see his favorite, Dames, succeed him. He appeared resigned that it was politically impossible for Greenslade to be removed now,” said the February 2009 cable.

“Ferguson said the reason he was not officially named commissioner while serving for over a year was his refusals to back down from his view that all RBPF assistant commissioners serving when the FNM took office, with the exception of Dames, should be dismissed.

“He added that he doubted that Greenslade would be equally resistant to political pressure. In the end, the GCOB appears to have implemented one of the compromise outcomes floated by Ferguson (including to embassy officials): retaining the current police chief but positioning two possible successors in the next most responsible positions, giving both the opportunity to earn the trust of the force and the public before any successor is named.“

In March, one month after the cable was written, Ferguson was confirmed as commissioner of police. He held the confirmed post for less than a year, however. Greenslade was named commissioner and Ferguson retired in January 2010.

Ferguson was named director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)after his retirement from the force.

Despite the rivalry in the force during this period, the Americans were pleased with Ferguson, Greenslade and Dames, according to the cable.

“Both Greenslade and Dames are regarded as forward-looking and capable officers with the potential to assume overall command of the police force in the future, despite differing personal styles,” the embassy said.

“Greenslade may have the edge in practical experience and rank-and-file support, having risen through the police ranks, as well as public support due to his success in Grand Bahama during a time when hurricanes ravaged the island. For his part, Ferguson is a respected, no-nonsense official who puts a premium on integrity and often speaks out against corruption ­– accusations of which do not taint him but may stick to others under his command.

“He also has a good relationship and solid track record of professional cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agencies.”

5/30/2011

thenassauguardian

Rape Charges Dropped Against Bahamian Cabinet Minister, Bradley Roberts

Rape Charges Dropped

 

 

 

 

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

12th January, 2005

 

 

 

Attorney General Alfred Sears announced last night that the woman who claimed Minister Bradley Roberts raped her dropped the charge against him bringing an end to the matter that has generated much public concern over the last two weeks.

 

A statement from the AG said that the woman showed up at the Office of the Attorney General accompanied by her lawyer, Anthony McKinney.

 

"Mr. McKinney indicated that he had recently been retained by the virtual complainant in respect of this matter", the statement said.  "The virtual complainant presented the officials in the Office of the Attorney General with a letter withdrawing her complaint in clear and unequivocal terms".

 

According to the AG, her letter said, "My decision to withdraw my allegation is not based or due to any payment made to me or any offer to pay me in the future.  My decision is made of my own free will without any pressure, duress or undue influence".

 

The statement said that the woman was interviewed by the director, and the deputy director of public prosecutions - who were both, satisfied that she was making a voluntary withdrawal of the allegation of rape against Minister Roberts.

 

"I have considered the file, the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police, the advice of my senior officials and the letter of withdrawal from the virtual complainant and I have decided, in the total circumstances, not to institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Roberts in respect of this matter".

 

The surprise announcement came amid a growing call for the minister's resignation and mounting criticisms against the police and the prime minister for the handling of the matter.

 

Earlier yesterday, the Free National Movement released a statement claiming that justice was "under assault by a rash, unfair PLP".  It's a claim that PLP and government officials have vehemently denied, dismissing the FNM's comments on the matter as an attempt to gain political mileage from the situation.

 

Minister Roberts, who had maintained his innocence all along, was not available for comment on the revelation last night.

 

Only days ago, the woman's initial attorney, Wallace Rolle, indicated that she was looking forward to her day in court.

 

Last night, he said he was "shocked" when he listened to the news.

 

"I spoke with my client very early this morning", Mr. Rolle said.  "I hadn't spoken to her since then. I believe that the pressure that had been put on her caused her to succumb.  This is a sad day for me, not the fact that she had gotten another attorney, but it is sad for justice.

 

She got something like 100 calls a day from different people in the community asking her to withdraw the complaint.  I am surprised by the level we have sunk in society". 

The Bahamas Police have Cleared PLP Cabinet Minister- Bradley Roberts in relation to the rape claim made against him on December 5, 2004

Police Clear Roberts

 

 

 

 

By Candia Dames

Nassau, Bahamas

candiadames@hotmail.com

7th January, 2005

 

 

 

Attorney General Alfred Sears confirmed on Thursday that police have recommended that Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts not be charged in relation to the rape claim made against him on December 5.

 

"On Tuesday I received a recommendation from the Commissioner of Police that based on their collection of evidence and their assessment of the evidence in all of the circumstances that Mr. Roberts should not be charged", the attorney general said.

 

He continued, "Upon receipt of the evidence and the recommendation from the commissioner of police [the director of public prosecutions and the deputy director of public prosecutions] are reviewing the evidence along with the recommendation of the commissioner.  In due course they will make a recommendation to me whether the recommendation of the commissioner will be confirmed or otherwise".

 

Minister Sears, who spoke with reporters during an event at the College of The Bahamas, was also asked whether he could remain impartial in this matter.

 

He said, "As attorney general I have a constitutional obligation.  The constitution guarantees me independence as attorney general and I begin with the very simple proposition that no person is above the law - and that guided by the technical experts in the Office of the Attorney General, we will review the evidence in a dispassionate manner and in light of all of the circumstances a decision will be made".

 

If no charge is brought against the Minister, the attorney of the alleged victim plans to file an affidavit, asking a magistrate to hear the case in any event.

 

But Wallace Rolle told the Bahama Journal on Thursday that he is prepared to wait a few days to allow officials in the AG's Office to carry out their review.

 

He said he was disappointed to learn of the attorney general's confirmation.

 

"Certainly that won't deter my client and that won't deter me", he said. "I still believe that if the professionals in the AG's Office who would have an opportunity to look at the file don't want to press charges, we still have the option of going by way of private prosecution".

 

Sources in government also indicated that the Prime Minister was doing "the best thing" by also taking a wait and see attitude - and would only be prepared to ask Minister Roberts to step down if he is charged in connection with the matter.

 

The public debate surrounding the matter, meanwhile, continued to swirl on Thursday.

 

In grocery stores, in the halls of workplaces (perhaps even around the water coolers), on the streets, and on radio Love 97's "Issues of The Day" with Jeff Lloyd, the talk remained on the allegation and whether the Minister should step down.

 

The views, as one would imagine, were varied with some callers suggesting that an allegation is not enough for the Minister to resign; and others insisting that his resignation would be in order.

 

Not surprisingly, it was the same view expressed by the Free National Movement in a new statement.

 

The Official Opposition, in a release separate from what had been issued on Wednesday by the FNM Action Group, said the Bahamian people will not be well served having a minister who is unable to give fully of his time and good judgment to the affairs of the state.

 

"If it should run its course we have no doubt that Mr. Roberts will receive a fair trial in our courts and his accuser a fair hearing", said the statement, which was sent by party chairman, Carl Bethel.

 

"Until the process is concluded, we make no judgment about his guilt or innocence and we urge the Bahamian people to do likewise".

 

He made it clear that it is not the party's belief that a Minister of Government should vacate his office because any frivolous allegation is made against him.

 

"However, in the present case the allegation against Mr. Roberts is by no means frivolous", the statement said. "Neither does it appear that it has been frivolously made".

 

He also said a "rotten" example is being set by authorities in this case.

 

"Whatever procedure you use for Jack, you must use for Jill", said Mr. Bethel, who was apparently unconvinced by the assurance given a day earlier by the police commissioner that the case in question was treated the way any similar matter is treated.

 

Speaking to the Bahama Journal on Thursday, Mr. Bethel, a former attorney general, said he was very surprised that the matter has been forwarded to the Attorney General's Office.

 

"The discretion to bring a prosecution has traditionally been given over to the commissioner of police for many, many years", he said. "So I'm surprised that the commissioner of police would have forwarded a file like this under these circumstances to the Attorney General's Office".

 

But Commissioner Farquharson has stressed that forwarding the file to the AG's Office was nothing unusual and he assured on Wednesday that there is only one standard of law in The Bahamas despite the perception that some people may have.