By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Superintendent Clayton Fernander is happy to be “back to work” after continued therapy for the damage done to his right hand the night he was shot by two men during a botched robbery in the driveway of his home.

The senior officer spoke to The Tribune yesterday moments after Excel Josey and Maurice Armbrister were sentenced to 17 and 19 years in prison respectively for the late night attack at his home in the St Vincent Road area on April 10, 2013.

“My family and I are very pleased this morning concerning the sentencing of both men and I’m happy now that it is behind me,” he said.

When asked about his right hand, he said he was still in therapy from the surgery he had undergone “just a few months ago.”

“But I’m back to work and I’m happy to be back. I feel good and I’m in good spirits and good health and ready to go and serve the Bahamian people,” he said with a smile.

The former officer-in-charge of the South Eastern division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed that “I’m now the officer-in-charge of the Southern Division which is at Market and Quakoo Streets.”

In February when Josey and Armbrister were convicted of attempted murder and attempted armed robbery, he told the press he was “pretty much ready for active duty” and the Commissioner of Police from the steps of the Supreme Court that he would be reporting in for duty.

A little more than a week after being shot last year, Supt Fernander spoke to reporters on returning home from the United States having undergone successful surgery on his right arm, which had been seriously injured.

He said he did not believe he would survive a near death attack when two men, at point blank range, shot at him outside his home.

In high spirits, expressing gratitude to all who offered support and at one point quoting scriptures, Mr Fernander said he was glad to be alive.

Speaking on behalf of his family yesterday in reaction to the judgment handed down by Justice Carolita Bethell, Supt Fernander echoed thanked God that he survived the ordeal. 

As for the delay in the punishment the judge gave Josey and Armbrister, Supt Fernander said: “I know it was a long delay but we don’t want to leave any grounds for an appeal to be launched so I had no real issue with it. I am pleased with the overall outcome this morning with respect to the sentencing.”

“At this present time,” he added, “I’ve seen both sides of the coin now as a police officer and as a victim. As officer with over 30 years experience on the job, I’ve conducted many identifications in matters and have interacted with a number of families to criminals and victims of crime. And I never could have truly imagined what they were going through, but now through this entire ordeal, I have experienced that personally.”

“I know what it is to go through being a victim of crime, but I just want to encourage those persons who are victims of crime just to be encouraged and be strong. I want them to know that I am there for them to lend any kind of support.”