Itβs purpose was to make provision for the formation, constitution and function of the Police Staff Association. It was led by Permanent Secretary, Mr.
History of the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association
The Act to establish the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association was enacted by the Parliament of The Bahamas and given assent Thursday, February 6, 1997. This Association enables members to consider matter affecting their corporate welfare and efficiency, including pay, pensions and conditions of service. The first meeting, with a view to cha
rt the course of the Association, was held on Tuesday, 9 September 1997. Idris Reid of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of National Security. In attendance were the following:
Mr.Bernard Bonamy - Commissioner of Police Royal Bahamas Police Force. Mrs.Deborah Fraser - Senior Counsel Office of the Attorney General
Mr.Deanza Cunningham - Deputy Permanent Secretary Department of Public Service
Mr.Alan Strachan - Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labor, Immigration & Training. Ms.Angela Albury - Senior Assistant Secretary Office of the Deputy Prime Minister & Ministry of National Security. Arising from this meeting were the following goals:
1. The process to chart the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association by making Mr.Deanza A. Cunningham coordinator;
2. All Police Officers to be sensitized regarding the Police Staff Association;
3. The Commissioner of Police to provide access for all Police Officers to the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association's Act;
4. Elections for the Branch Boards to be held during the first week of December;
SENSITIZATION MEETINGS
Meetings to sensitize Police Officer regarding the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association were held 14-17 October, 1997 in New Providence and on Tuesday October 21, 1997 in Grand Bahama. The agenda for the meeting were as follows:
1. Welcome
2. Opening Comments
3. Explanation of the Act
4. Format of the Elections
5. Question and Answers
6. Closing
A day, comprising three sessions each, was used for each rank in New Providence, while in Grand Bahama there was one united meeting. Attendance in New Providence was poor as twenty-six (26) Constables, sixteen (16) Corporals, twenty-eight (28) Sergeants and fifteen (15) Inspectors participated. Conversely, 180 attended in Grand Bahama. It was alleged that the dissemination of information regarding the meeting, was purposely not circulated by certain senior personnel in the Police Force in New Providence in a timely or concerned manner. As advised, matters of importance are diarized, and brought to the attention of each shift; however, the matter of the Police Staff Association was not. Those in attendance had heard of the meetings on the morning of the meetings. NOMINATIONS
Nominations Day was held on Friday November 14, 1997. This ran very smoothly in New Providence but the Family Islands and Grand Bahama suffered from logistical problems as the agreement by the Police Force to print and distribute the nomination papers was late materializing; consequently, nominations were held after the scheduled date. 52 nominations were received. Of the fifty-two (52) nominations received, forty-one (41) were from New Providence with eleven (11) from Grand Bahamas. ELECTIONS
Elections for the Sergeants, Corporal and Constables Branch Boards were conducted by civilians, via secret ballots, on Thursday December 4, 1997. This occurred when only two persons from the Inspectors rank, Chief Inspector A. James Blatch and Inspector Allan Emmanuel, nominated for the Inspectors' Branch Board. As a consequence, they were elected without the vote, leaving one vacancy by reason of insufficient nominations for the Inspectors Board. Nominations to fill the vacancy on the Inspectors' Branch Board were received on Wednesday, December 17th 1997 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon. Again only two Inspectors, Messrs Clifford Ferguson and Clement Lightbourne participated in the process. In accordance with Section 5(b) of the First Schedule of the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association's Act, Inspector Clifford Ferguson was declared the winner by reason of his seniority. At the end of the elections process, the members elected for the first year of the Bahamas Police Staff Association were as follows:
INSPECTORS
A.James Blatch
Allan E. Emmanuel
Clifford Ferguson
SERGEANTS
#901 Norman Bain
#1442 Eucal Bonaby
#1320 Michael Braithwaite
#1152 Basil H. Collie
#689 Clarence Finlayson
#1188 Philip Wilson
CONSTABLES
#1051 Shannon Bannister
#255 Dencle Barr
#1008 Floyd Bastian
#1654 Ricardo Bonimy
#660 Carltony Forbes
#1483 Brian Gilbert
#1744 Chrystal Johnson
#1464 Edward Moncur
#1525 Dion Nixon
#2169 Prescott Pinder
#1427 Wilbert Rodgers
#1202 Keith Russell
#1666 Dwight Smith
#1492 Dale Strachan
ELECTIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Elections for the 16 members to serve on the Executive Committee of the Royal Bahamas Police Association were held on Friday, December 19, 1997 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon in New Providence and Grand Bahama. Elected from the Sergeants' Branch Board were 1320 Michael Braithwaite, 1152 Basil Collie and 1188 Philip Wilson. From the Corporal's Branch Board, 106 Michelet Memoranda was elected to one of the five seats. Eight (8) other had an equal number of votes for the remaining four (4) seats. From the Constables Branch Board, four (4) of the seven seats were decided. Elected were 255 Dencle Barr, 660 Carltony Forbes, 1483 Brian Gilbert and 1464 Edward Moncur. Four (4) others had an equality of votes for the remaining three (3) seats. In accordance with Section 4 of the First Schedule of the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association's Act, those seats not filled as a result of an equality of votes were filled by Tuesday, December 23, 1997. The process used was to place the names, of those with an equality of votes, in a bag, witnessed by the candidates or their representatives, and to pull as many as needed for the Executive Committee form the various Branch Boards. The Final Results Were As Follows:
Inspector Allan Emmanuel
Sergeant Michael Braithwaite
Sergeant Basil Collie
Sergeant Philip Wilson
Corporal Bruce Arnett
Corporal Valeria Campbell
Corporal Michelet Meronard
Corporal Bradley Sands
Corporal Charlton Smith
Constable Dencle Barr
Constable Carltony Forbes
Constable Brain Gilbert
Constable Chrystal Johnson
Constable Edward Moncur
Constable Dion Nixon
Constable Dwight Smith
24/08/2026
Today, Executive Chairman Bastian addressed our membership with a vision of unprecedented growth and collective prosperity. Presented before the Security Intelligence Branch, the Police Staff Association has unveiled a comprehensive framework of investment opportunities, strategic initiatives designed to substantially enhance our welfare resources and fortify the wellbeing of our distinguished membership.
This momentous announcement represents more than fiscal strategy; it embodies our unwavering commitment to recognizing and rewarding the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our nation. Through deliberate and measured investment channels, we are positioning the Association to deliver tangible, meaningful benefits to every member of our family.
The security and prosperity of our personnel are paramount. We invite all members to engage with these transformative opportunities and become architects of their own
On Monday, 24th August 2026, the Police Staff Association (PSA), Northern Bahamas executive team hit the ground to conduct vital welfare checks across three key areas: the South Western Division, the North Eastern Division, and the Police Fire Services.
The delegation was proudly led by Executive Secretary Mr. Rovan Carey and Senior Deputy Chairman Mr. Parez Demeritte, along with other dedicated, elected members of the Northern Bahamas team.
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21/08/2026
The Police Staff Association continues its unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of our officers across the Commonwealth.
In a significant gesture of support, the PSA has distributed donations to multiple police stations throughout the archipelago, including San Salvador, as part of our ongoing welfare assistance programme. These contributions reflect our dedication to ensuring that our law enforcement personnel have access to the resources and support they deserve.
The welfare of our officers, both physical and emotional, remains at the forefront of our mission. Through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our solidarity with those who serve and protect our nation.
We extend our gratitude to all contributors and stakeholders who make this work possible. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more supported Police Force.
19/08/2026
The Executive Team of the Police Staff Association, led by Executive Chairman Kirk Bastian and Executive Secretary Rovan Carey, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Myles Laroda, MP, Minister of National Security.
The delegation engaged in substantive discussions centered on the integration of critical officer welfare initiatives with the broader strategic vision of the Ministry of National Security. The visit underscored the shared commitment to advancing the wellbeing of our police officers whilst strengthening the operational capacity and institutional priorities of the wider police force.
The PSA remains steadfast in its advocacy for our members and welcomes continued dialogue and collaborative partnership with the Ministry as we work toward meaningful progress on behalf of those who dedicate their careers to the safety and security of our nation.
13/08/2026
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
12/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16/07/2026
**The Police Staff Association Extends Well Wishes to Officers on Sick Leave**
Executive Members of the Police Staff Association (PSA) recently engaged officers currently out on sick leave, presenting them with fruit baskets as a small token of care and solidarity from their colleagues.
These visits reflect the PSA's continued commitment to the wellbeing of our members, both on and off duty. While recovery takes time, we want every affected officer to know they remain a valued part of our police family and are in our thoughts.
To our recovering officers: we wish you a swift and full recovery. Take the time you need because your health comes first, and your PSA family is here for you with full welfare support.
15/07/2026
The Police Staff Association has donated two 3-ton heavy-duty vehicle jacks to the transport section, in an effort to assist with the continued proper and swift maintenance of police vehicles.
The donation is intended to support the transport team in carrying out routine and emergency vehicle maintenance more efficiently, helping to ensure that the Force's fleet remains operational and road-ready at all times.
The Police Staff Association remains committed to identifying and providing practical resources that support the day-to-day operations of officers across the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and looks forward to continuing this work in the months ahead.
15/07/2026
**Police Staff Association β Media Release**
Executives of the Police Staff Association paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo S. Campbell, MP, to discuss a number of initiatives aimed at benefiting officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and their families.
Discussions centred on a proposed produce exchange discount partnership, which would provide police families with discounted access to fresh, local produce. The parties also explored the introduction of Quarterly Police Family Market Days, aimed at fostering direct engagement between officers and local farmers. Further discussion addressed the need for greater support for officers stationed in the Family Islands, as well as the development of joint wellness initiatives geared toward improving the overall health and welfare of officers.
Both parties expressed a mutual commitment to establishing an ongoing working relationship between the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Police Staff Association, with a view toward implementing tangible programmes that support the welfare of officers across the Force.
The Police Staff Association thanks Minister Campbell for his time and receptiveness, and looks forward to further engagement as these initiatives are developed.
15/07/2026
**Police Staff Association β Media Release**
Executive Chairman Kirk Bastian addressed officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit during a lecture held at DEU Headquarters, providing a detailed overview of the Police Staff Association's 10 Point Plan.
The session formed part of the Association's ongoing efforts to keep frontline officers informed of the initiatives being pursued on their behalf, and to encourage active engagement with the priorities outlined in the plan. Executive Chairman Bastian used the opportunity to reaffirm the PSA's commitment to advocating for the welfare, compensation, and working conditions of officers across all divisions of the Force.
The Police Staff Association will continue to engage members throughout the various units of the Royal Bahamas Police Force as it advances the objectives set out in the 10 Point Plan.
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