Minister of National Security, the Hon. O.A.T. "Tommy" Turnquest was joined by Speaker of the House of Assembly and Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, the Hon. Alvin Smith; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ellison Greenslade; Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Glen Miller and Fr. Stephen Davies, Force Chaplain and Education Officer, along with a number of Local Government and other Officials for the Flag Raising Ceremony prior to the re-opening of the refurbished Rock Sound Police Station Wednesday (January 18). (Police Photo/Sgt. Clinton Dean)

Mr. Turnquest said additional refurbishments will be carried out on other police stations throughout Eleuthera and other parts of The Bahamas needing repair and/or upgrades, particularly those affected by Hurricane Irene.

He said the planned refurbishments are part of an overall exercise that is designed to ensure that all the Family Islands get the necessary police resources.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hulan Hanna, greets a small section of the 73 cruise ship visitors who paid a surprise visit to the ceremonies in Rock Sound Wednesday. The group was chaperoned by Monique Smith (Tour Director) and Breon Leary of Eleuthera Adventure Tours. The ceremonies were adjusted so that the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band could give the visitors a "taste" of Bahamian music. (Police Photo/Sgt. Clinton Dean)

Mr. Turnquest was accompanied to South Eleuthera by Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera the Hon. Alvin Smith; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ellison Greenslade; Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Glen Miller and Fr. Stephen Davies, Police Force Chaplain and Education Officer.

Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Building Maintenance Unit, headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Kingsley Burrows, conducted the renovations, which were extensive.

“With the passage of Hurricane Irene and the consequential significant damage, it became necessary for the Police Force to mobilise its Building Maintenance Unit (New Providence) to give priority attention to renovating the station,” Mr. Turnquest said.

“The renovations, which were carried out over a three-month period, included replacement of the roof, restrooms, ceiling, floor, plumbing and electrical rewiring,” he added.

Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band thrilled residents and visitors alike during a performance Wednesday (January 18) in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. The Marching Band was in town to provide entertainment for the re-opening of the recently refurbished Rock Sound Police Station. (Police Photo/Sgt. Clinton Dean)

Mr. Turnquest said the decision to use members of the Building Maintenance Unit to perform the renovations, as opposed to private contractors, had a two-fold effect on the community.

“During the assignment of the police officers to Eleuthera, they assisted their colleagues with other policing duties, providing relief to officers who themselves had been adversely impacted. They also contributed to the local economy through expenditure on accommodations, food and transportation,” Mr. Turnquest said.

“The use of the Building Maintenance Unit also allowed us the opportunity to get the station up and running at the quickest possible time,” Mr. Turnquest added.

Mr. Turnquest said while the refurbished facility had been in a state of disrepair for some time, it was on the list of projects for attention by the police force.

The National Security Minister warned police officers that “expectations” come with improved facilities, transportation and access to state-of-the-art equipment.