PM: ‘The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls’

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis vowed decisive action against those “who have betrayed the trust of the Bahamian people” and pledged to soon introduce new legislation to strengthen oversight of law enforcement agencies after a US federal indictment highlighted explosive corruption allegations involving law enforcement officers and government officials.

His remarks in the House of Assembly followed the arrest of Chief Superintendent of Police Elvis Curtis, the officer in charge of the Lynden Pindling International Airport, and Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker of the Defence Force, who are accused of facilitating drug trafficking operations into the United States.

 Eleven other people, some Bahamians, were named in the US federal indictment.

 Mr Davis said the claims were “unforgivable” and vowed they “will not go unanswered.” He promised that “no stone will be left unturned in seeking the truth.”

 He described the incidents as neither isolated nor random breaches of conduct, but rather deliberate actions by people who used their positions of authority to enable criminal networks instead of defending the nation.

 “This revelation strikes at the core of who we are as a nation,” he said. “For more than three years, it has pieced together evidence that paints a damning picture of collusion and corruption. Let there be no doubt: the Bahamian people deserve accountability for every act of betrayal committed during this time. The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls.”

 “We will engage with our US partners and assist fully in this investigation. The defendants will have their day in court, where the guilt or innocence of each will be established. But we cannot wait –– and we will not wait –– for the outcomes of court proceedings in the United States. We are going to use every resource –– and consider every option –– so that Bahamians can trust those who take an oath to protect them.”

 Prime Minister Davis said oversight legislation will be tabled before the Christmas break. He said he will hold meetings with high-ranking police and defence force officials but did not indicate whether he would push for new leadership.

 The Tribune understands his administration intends to table the Security Forces Inspectorate Bill, which would establish a body to oversee all security forces in The Bahamas. The Police Complaints Inspectorate, a body empowered to oversee the Complaints and Corruption Branch of the police force, has traditionally lacked the resources needed to fulfil its role. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has said that the Inspectorate would be more robust and fill gaps.

 “This legislation will ensure that no individual or institution is above accountability,” Mr Davis said. “It will provide mechanisms to prevent corruption, establish clear checks and balances, and empower independent bodies to investigate and act when breaches occur.”

 Mr Davis also said he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a diplomatic note requesting further details from US officials about an unnamed Bahamian politician referred to in the indictment.

 The politician is accused of involvement in the alleged conspiracy. According to US prosecutors, CSP Curtis allegedly told investigators that a high-ranking Bahamian politician would authorise the involvement of Bahamian law enforcement officials in unlawful activities in exchange for $2 million.

 Several Cabinet ministers clarified  that they are not the politician allegedly involved, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Labour Minister Pia Glover Rolle and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

 Mr Davis stressed the importance of uncovering the identity of the politician and getting full details of the allegation, but noted that the indictment did not say a payment was made or authorisation granted.

 He also said that on at least three occasions, he raised concerns with US enforcement and intelligence agencies about the “sharp uptick in the flow of cocaine through The Bahamas.”

“At the time, it was clear that such an increase could not have occurred without strong intelligence pointing to who was directly involved,” he said. “These revelations now underscore the validity of those concerns and reveal the extent to which this betrayal of duty undermined our nation’s efforts to combat trafficking.”

 He said he planned to meet with the US Chargé d’Affaires to discuss the matter.

 “The Bahamian people have a right to be angry,” he said. “They have a right to feel betrayed. When those sworn to protect and serve our nation instead choose to exploit their positions for personal gain, it undermines the very fabric of trust that holds our society together.”

 “This betrayal of duty is unforgivable and has placed every citizen in harm’s way. All options are on the table to rebuild trust and restore confidence in our law enforcement agencies. The Bahamian people deserve institutions they can depend on, led by individuals who uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

Comments

Dawes says...

Watch the PM shake an orange tree now, so no apples fall

Posted 28 November 2024, 9:03 a.m. Suggest removal

Porcupine says...

Like a good lawyer does.

Posted 28 November 2024, 11:13 a.m. Suggest removal

bahamianson says...

When tbose sworn to protect , exploit.... sounds like he is describing politicians whom fatten themselves, family and lovers, then we make them National Heros, or give them titles like Sir or Madam, what a joke!!!

Posted 28 November 2024, 9:29 a.m. Suggest removal

hrysippus says...

To many it is plain to see, The apples are not on the tree, they are already in the barrel ,
spreading the rot in fine apparel.....sigh.

Posted 28 November 2024, 10:02 a.m. Suggest removal

IslandWarrior says...

> Tensions between the United States and
> the Bahamas over allegations of
> corruption and complicity in drug
> trafficking.

This is the headline of a 1983 New York Times article from the early 1980s indeed parallels current issues. Despite decades passing, the themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.

The detailed account from 1983 highlights similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that seem to persist in the region. These historical snapshots are crucial as they provide context to understand how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they can impact diplomatic relations over the years.

The article underscores the complexity of tackling transnational crime, especially when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also reflects on the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently shield such activities.

This continuity of issues suggests that resolving them requires not just local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and possibly new strategies to address the root causes and not just the symptoms of such systemic problems. This headline from a 1983 news article reflects issues that still resonate today. Despite the passage of decades, themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.

The detailed account from 1983 reveals similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that continue to affect the region. These historical snapshots are crucial for understanding how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they impact diplomatic relations over time. The article highlights the complexity of addressing transnational crime, particularly when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also emphasizes the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation, especially when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently protect these activities.

The persistence of these issues suggests that resolving them will require not only local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and potentially new strategies to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms of these systemic problems. Tensions between the United States and the Bahamas have arisen due to allegations of corruption and complicity in drug trafficking.

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/28/us/u…

Posted 28 November 2024, 11:05 a.m. Suggest removal

tetelestai says...

It appears that some of you have missed the part where the indictment said that this activity has been happening since May 2021, before this administration. Seems like some other fellas may be shaking in their boots too.

Posted 28 November 2024, 12:16 p.m. Suggest removal

IslandWarrior says...

Corruption in the Bahamas is deeply rooted and continues despite being exposed for many years. It often gets worse under the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administrations, with more high-level officials involved.
Past efforts to stop corruption weren't strong enough. They often only touched on the surface problems without addressing the deeper issues, especially under PLP leadership. To make a real change, the Bahamas needs stricter international oversight and stronger local actions to increase transparency and accountability.

Posted 28 November 2024, 2:21 p.m. Suggest removal

Porcupine says...

I worry that we get the government we deserve.
From my perspective, this rot and corruption is now endemic and pervasive here.
Where will our next batch of leaders come from?
Obviously, there is an understandable reluctance for anyone with a soul to be involved in Bahamian politics.
Given that the rot is all pervasive in our current leadership.

Posted 28 November 2024, 7:52 p.m. Suggest removal

realfreethinker says...

Unless the pm is prepared to resign, nothing he says about mean a thing.

Posted 28 November 2024, 12:17 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

**My cautionary hint for the premiership.** -- Don't be so intent on giving his administration's corruption tree a ...**Two-hander shakin'.**..Tis no tellin' as to whose' all and how much more there's still to fall. -- Wanna keep that **Hope Alive"* of 'completing' the party's 2021 handsomely won governance mandate. -- Yes?

Posted 28 November 2024, 3:12 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

The government knows that phones are taped they are watched read spy catcher by Peter wright

Posted 28 November 2024, 5:18 p.m. Suggest removal

Porcupine says...

tapped birdie.
Like your mind is tapped.
Or, is it trapped?

Posted 28 November 2024, 7:53 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Thanks for the correction

Posted 28 November 2024, 8:15 p.m. Suggest removal

bahamianson says...

Touche'

Posted 29 November 2024, 11:25 a.m. Suggest removal

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