Bahamas Information Services Updates New Police Commissioner Announces Strategic Priorities to Tackle Crime
By Kathryn Campbell,BIS
Jan 5, 2010 - 4:39:47 PM
Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade chats with a Police Officer during Inspection of the Guard of Honour at the Handing Over Ceremony of the Office of Commissioner of Police at Police Headquarters, Monday, January 4. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
Nassau, Bahamas -- Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Ellison
Greenslade announced that strategic priorities will form the plans and actions
of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the year 2010, as an intervention to
serious crimes in The Bahamas.
Taking care of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, reducing crimes, enhancing community safety, youth
engagement, involvement and intervention and national security are among the
priorities.
Retired Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson signs a Handing Over Certificate as newly appointed Ellison Greenslade looks on during the Handing Over Ceremony of the Office of Commissioner of Police at Police Headquarters, Monday, January 4. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
Commissioner Greenslade said, “We will contain our
current efforts to become a strategy focused but flexible organization with a
caring, respecting and trusting culture. We want to be an organization that is
adaptable, innovative and responsive to the needs of the people we are sworn to
protect and serve.
“We want to be
a police service of excellence which is characterized as the best place to work
and to grow.”
He spoke during a ceremony at Police Headquarters to
mark his confirmation as Commissioner of Police, Monday, January 4. He took
over from retired Commissioner Reginald Ferguson, a native of Acklins, who
served on the Force for more than 44 years.
Ellison Greenslade, new Commissioner of Police, receives the Instrument of Sword from retired Commissioner Reginald Ferguson at Police Headquarters, Monday, January 4. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
Governor-General His Excellency Arthur D Hanna,
members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Senators, members of the
Diplomatic Corps and senior public officials were among those in attendance.
In addition to the appointment of Commissioner
Greenslade, Marvin Dames was confirmed as Deputy Commissioner of Police and
Quinn McCartney as Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The new Commissioner pledged to do his best for a
safer Bahamas. He encouraged police officers to continue to make their best
contributions to making The Bahamas a safer place to live, visit, work and
play.
In his farewell remarks, Mr Ferguson said the most
important ingredient for success is professionalism, the renewed attitude of
integrity, values and principles such as honesty, selflessness and commitment
to the task.
Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade gives a salute. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)
“Policing is a calling not for one whose motive is to
become rich or popular overnight, nor for those seeking plaudits or
self-advancement,” he said.
“But it is for those propelled by service to God and
Country; those who refuse to complain about what they do not have and those who
realize that theirs is a divine calling; a calling to make a difference where
they are.”
Mr Ferguson thanked those who advised, motivated,
encouraged, or provided opportunities for upward mobility throughout his career
and to those who were instrumental in causing him to fulfil his duties with
dignity and integrity.
He expressed gratitude to the commissioners who
preceded him including Salathiel Thompson and Gerald Bartlett (both deceased),
Bernard Bonamy and His Excellency Paul Farquharson, Ambassador of The Bahamas
to the United Kingdom.
He acknowledged his clerical and support staff,
including Cheryl Brown and Stacey Farrington; his staff officer, Inspector
Kimroy Ferguson and Constable Adderley and Constable Cox, chauffeurs.