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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nassau, Bahamas: Remarks by Senator Hon. Keith Bell Minister of National Security at Full Military Funeral Services for Superintendent of Police (Retired) Nigel Clarke, Saint Barnabas Anglican Church Wulff and Baillou Roads Friday 30th October, 2015:
Canon Basil Tynes; Father Stephen Davies, Police Force Chaplain ; Other Ministers of the Gospel; Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Anthony Ferguson; Senior Officers and All Ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Chaplain, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Father Stephen Davies; The Family of the late Superintendent (Retired) Nigel Clarke; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today we pay homage to a life that will be long remembered for honourable, dedicated and invaluable service to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Occasions such as this consistently remind me of the oath and call of sacrificial service that should be demonstrated by every Bahamian and in particular our law enforcement officers.
We should all engage our lives into purposeful, rewarding and challenging acts that will benefit and build our great nation. Men like Retired Superintendent Nigel Clarke possess and exemplify the tenets that are necessary for successful nation building - tenets such as discipline, faith, honour, commitment, professionalism, hard work and loyalty.
The late Nigel Clarke enlisted in as a Recruit Constable in the Royal Bahamas Police Force in January 1971. He received several promotions throughout his career on the Force, culminating with his appointment to the rank of Superintendent on 1st April, 2006. He was a music maestro and spent most of his tenure in the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. A highly skilled musician, Mr. Clarke loved all variety of music; but his first love was jazz.
He was instrumental in forming the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. He was appointed Director of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band in 2008 and served in that capacity until his retirement on 4th January 2010. For is outstanding contributions as a Police Officer he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on 8th December, 1999.
Superintendent Clarke has been described by his fellow band members as a perfectionist. He insisted that the sound of the band must be perfect. He was a trainer and used his knowledge and skills to train members of the police band. His musical genius was engaged as an arranger of musical pieces for the Police Band.
Superintendent Clarke was very active in civic organizations and was involved in a number of bands including The Young Soul Orchestra, where he served as a Conductor, and The Bahamas Musicians Union Dance Band where he was the lead alto saxophonist.
Given the serious challenges of policing, particularly in our Bahamas today, Police service must be more than a choice of employment; it must be a calling of the highest order. Our Police Officers work in a highly charged, highly stressful environment, one that is fraught with danger and uncertainty. The stakes are always high.
Police Officers are expected to take determined, decisive and forceful action to combat and prevent crime, and can, at the same time, be unfairly criticized for doing so. The vast majority of Bahamians, however, realize that our Police Officers are dedicated and committed. They often put their lives on the line, and while many of us are asleep, Police Officers are working to keep our country safe.
Just as Superintendent Clarke and other Police Officers made a pledge to the Force, so too must we all make a pledge to address crime and criminality in our country. We must courageously strive to uphold the Christian values and traditions on which our county was built.
We must strive to uphold the value of family, and mentor and give positive direction to our young people.
We must not denigrate the Police, but stand shoulder to shoulder with them in countering crime and criminality in our country, and in sending a clear message to those that would disturb the peace and stability of our country, that we will search them out and bring them to justice.
And so, as we pay tribute and remember Superintendent Clarke today, it is also an opportunity to thank all of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the service they render every day, and that too many of us take for granted.
To the bereaved family, Superintendent Clarke will be greatly missed.
We honour his life and contributions to our great nation by remembering his sacrifice and service to God and country. Let us seek to emulate his high standard of excellence.
On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, the Minister of National Security, and on my own behalf, I offer our sincerest condolences to the entire family of the late Superintendent Nigel Clarke. I also convey condolences to the extended family of the Royal Bahamas Police Force on the loss of a dear colleague and friend.
May Almighty God grant you comfort and allow you to cherish the precious memories of your dearly departed one.
May his soul rest in peace.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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