By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net 

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe has dismissed claims that the government owes more than $100m to the Police Staff Association’s (PSA) insurance provider, Colina, and that officers’ medical coverage is at risk.

He insisted that coverage remains in effect.

Mr Munroe told The Tribune the PSA had neither met with him nor written to him regarding its concerns. He said the association is aware of his open-door policy.

His comments followed the circulation of a purported PSA letter detailing grievances over insurance coverage. The letter, dated February 3 and attributed to PSA Chairman Ricardo Walkes, alleged that the government owed Colina more than $100m. Mr Walkes claimed the unpaid debt raised serious concerns about officers’ safety and security.

He further claimed that Colina had threatened to cancel policies due to the government’s failure to settle its obligations and noted that the government had previously discontinued insurance coverage for the dependents of new law enforcement officers.

Mr Walkes did not respond to The Tribune’s repeated efforts to reach him yesterday. 

In a statement, Mr Munroe said he consulted with Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirkwood Andrews and Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis, who confirmed that the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s medical insurance remains active. He stressed that officers and their families continue to be covered and that coverage has not lapsed. 

He said Mr Halkitis confirmed the government does not owe Colina over $100m.

 “There are no records to support such an assertion, and no evidence has been presented alongside the document to substantiate the claim,” he said.

Speaking with The Tribune, Mr Munroe suggested the association avoided direct communication with him because it lacked proof of its claims.

“A lot of people are up to mischief,” he said.

Given the potential impact on police morale, Mr Munroe said he had referred the matter to the legal section of his ministry for advice on whether any provisions of the Police Service Act or other relevant laws were broken.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of law enforcement officers, while encouraging all parties to rely on verified information and open dialogue.