By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE FAMILY of Ivan Cleare, who was shot and killed at a Scotiabank ATM on Sunday morning, yesterday described the father of three as “Superman”.

In an emotional Facebook post, Rico Cleare, one of Mr Cleare’s sons, said the family is still in shock and disbelief that a “wonderful father, husband, grandfather, uncle, godfather and friend” was taken from them so early. Mr Cleare, a 61-year-old church minister, was shot around 8am while using a Scotiabank cash machine at Wulff Road and Jerome Avenue.

Hours after the shooting, police reported that a suspect was in custody, adding that a handgun was allegedly found in his possession. Tribune sources said the suspect “got around $80” from Mr Cleare before shooting him to death.

“Words can’t express what (I) am feeling right now,” his son wrote on Facebook. “If someone was to ask me who Superman was I would say you. From the time I know myself, you were the only person in the world who knew anything about anything.

“The values and principles you bestowed upon the family is priceless. You had so much to offer to this world, you mentored and touched the lives of so many people. You showed the importance of humility and taught us to always be thankful and grateful no matter the situation. We must not question God but sometimes it is hard not to. So many memories, so many experiences, so many lessons. God could not have given us a better father, husband, grandfather, uncle, godfather, or friend. I wouldn’t trade you for the world. I will cherish and celebrate your life.”

Scotiabank released a statement on the killing yesterday, stressing that customer safety is a “top priority.”

“We wish to commend the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their response and swift action following the tragic incident at the Wulff Road and Jerome Avenue branch yesterday (Sunday),” the statement said. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and offer our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“The safety and security of our customers and employees is a top priority for the bank and in keeping with bank practices, we continually review our security measures.

“We encourage our customers and the public to exercise increased vigilance and caution in conducting their affairs,” the bank said.

Mr Cleare was a minister at New Bethlehem Baptist Church on Independence Drive and and the son of the late Rev John Cleare, of the same church.

An employee at a nearby gas station told The Tribune on Sunday that the victim had come into the station for gas early Sunday morning. The employee was shocked to learn that he had been “killed in cold blood.”

While on the scene, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean appealed to persons making deposits or transactions at banks to take the proper precautions to ensure their safety.

“The days of just coming to an ATM machine casually late at night (or) early in the morning by yourself (are gone),” ACP Dean said on Sunday. “We must take security precautions.

“We have seen the trend of persons who are depositing money to the bank for places (like) churches (or) wherever. They are doing it alone. We are asking you to get security on board. There are numerous private securities throughout the Bahamas who can assist you.

“We are asking you to speak with your divisional commanders (in various communities) to seek advice (on) how best you can make your deposits.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.