Clayton Fernander Resigns Amid Scandal

Clayton Fernander Resigns Amid Scandal; PM Davis Accepts

In a dramatic turn of events, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander of The Bahamas has stepped down from his position amidst escalating fallout from a U.S. federal indictment alleging widespread corruption within Bahamian law enforcement. 

Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed his resignation, pledging comprehensive reforms to restore public trust. The indictment, which implicates several high-ranking officials, including police and defense force members, accuses them of aiding South American drug traffickers in moving cocaine through The Bahamas to the United States. The scandal has prompted a significant political and public outcry, with calls for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. Prime Minister Davis has assured the public of his commitment to restoring integrity within the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). He has begun consultations to appoint a new police commissioner and is working closely with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to facilitate the ongoing investigation and potential arrests related to the case. Furthermore, the government plans to introduce legislation aimed at increasing accountability and closing gaps that allowed corruption to proliferate. 

Allegations in the Indictment The U.S. indictment names 13 defendants, accusing them of accepting bribes, providing intelligence to traffickers, and obstructing investigations. Among them: Chief Superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis is alleged to have coordinated a $2 million bribe to permit a large cocaine shipment. Defense Force Officer Darren Alexander Roker reportedly supplied traffickers with details of U.S. Coast Guard patrols. Others, including a senior sergeant, are accused of manipulating law enforcement operations to shield traffickers. 

This scandal is seen as a severe blow to The Bahamas' international reputation and highlights the pressing need for reforms to combat corruption at all levels. While the fallout continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the impact of systemic corruption and the importance of collaborative efforts in dismantling drug trafficking networks.

Who exactly gave the orders? Officers in the Bahamas are accused of kidnapping and arresting protesters in the midst of CARICOM.

Hon. Philip "Brave" Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas and Chairman of CARICOM, is once more in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons!

Brave Davis is said to be concerned with international figures complicit in the FTX incident.

Bahamians are angry this week about the alleged illegal detention and what some are calling the kidnapping of demonstrators by Bahamian RBPF officers. According to Attorney Maria Daxon and numerous others (including Davis' PLP supporters, these arrests are in violation of the Constitution of the Bahamas.

It is believed that orders were issued from a higher authority to remove all peaceful demonstrators within several miles of the hotel. Which goes against the international Freedom of assembly.

Last year, Lincoln Bain allegedly supported Bitboy Crypto, FTX investors in attempting to trace their investments and file reports in The Bahamas. If you remember this was all tied up with Sam Bankman-Fried companies.  

Last year, some international investors were in Nassau, Bahamas with BitBoy Crypto.

As if Brave Davis needed more attention, this scheme is reported to have had the opposite effect. As demonstrators were aware of their rights, they questioned the officers who did not respond with words but instead physically. Women were injured during this restraint.

The demonstrators are well-known and respected members of the community who have held numerous previous demonstrations. Sadly, this is not the first time that Bahamian rights have been stripped away.

Since then, Lincoln has been labeled the number one public enemy because he continues to advocate for Bahamians to directly benefit from their natural resources. Due to fear of victimization, many Bahamians who support Mr. Bain are reluctant to speak up.

It is said by those on the scene that supporters were prevented from being interviewed by global media.

Follow this significant constitutional issue on Facebook as it continues to grow, as other protestors have shared live footage of the situation and suits have been filed. Attorney Maria Daxon vowed to take this to THE UNITED NATIONS and won't give up.

ARREST FOOTAGES

ACTIVIST PAGE

BAHAMAS' LINCOLN BAIN, COI POLITICAL LEADER/ACTIVIST & OTHERS JAILED! HELD ON "UNLAWFUL PROTEST"

BAHAMIAN PROTESTERS DENIED THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE!

The first day of CARICOM in The Bahamas was Wednesday the 15th of February 2023.

Bahamians, led by well-respected activist Lincoln Bain, attempted to draw the attention of Caribbean Leaders to the issues Bahamians are dissatisfied with the improvements made to The Bahamas' Sovereign Wealth Fund by Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, as well as the Carbon Credits that may be connected to the FTX scandal and the difficult issue of Haitian illegal immigration, which many Bahamians believe is not being addressed intentionally.

However, police officers directed her and the other protestors to Goodman's Bay Beach West, located many miles away. They were compelled to travel as far as their legs could take them, demonstrating clear disdain for the senior citizens who desired to exercise their constitutional rights.

Crystal Smith, a resident of Freeport, Grand Bahama, was allegedly one of the protesters shoved to the ground and attacked by RBPF soldiers. She was then placed on a police bus and taken away. Along with about 12 other supporters that were seen in the recording. 

It stated that she needed to be transported to the hospital; however, she was treated and turned over to law authorities before her attorney could examine her or receive a statement from her.

According to the live footage, she was a target since she possessed the leader Lincoln Bain's live phone at the time of his arrest. Lincoln's social media account posted footage prior to the alleged police assault. The action was a sight for onlookers and viewers of the live feed.

There is a suggestion that Bahamian officials asked the police not to allow CARICOM representatives to see the protests because they did not want the regional organization to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Apparently, several protestors were arrested for "Unlawful Assembly." The Constitution of the Bahamas safeguards the right of Bahamians to gather peacefully.

Dorian death toll increases to 69

Aerial shot of The Mudd, Abaco post-Dorian

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday confirmed the official death toll for Hurricane Dorian has risen to 69 after two unidentified human remains were found in The Mudd, Abaco.

The shanty town, populated by hundreds of unregulated homes, was leveled by Dorian in early September. According to NEMA, the Royal Bahamas Police Force reported yesterday that one body was found on November 8, while another was located last Thursday.
Of the 69 recovered, 59 had been found in Abaco, while another 10 bodies were discovered in Grand Bahama.
NEMA did not provide an update on the number of people who remain missing more than two months after the storm

At last report the number of missing people stood well over 200.
It has been more than a month since authorities updated that figure.
In its statement, NEMA said recovery efforts were ongoing.

As it relates to missing people, NEMA said inquiries should either be made at the Central Detective Unit in New Providence and Grand Bahama, as well as the Abaco Police Station located in the government complex in Marsh Harbour.

Dorian, a Category 5 storm, pummeled the Abaco and Grand Bahama, displacing thousands.
Storm victims continues to reside in shelters in New Providence.
It remains unclear how many people reside in the five shelters in New Providence.

At last report, there were nearly 800 people spread across the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium and three large tents erected on the compound, as well as the Bahamas Academy Gymnasium.

Some displaced residents, particularly in Abaco remain in churches.
Others travelled to the United States, but have since returned to The Bahamas.

The government is in the process of establishing a temporary $6.4 million family relief facility in Abaco, which is expected to see the construction of 250 polycarbonate units in the first phase, each capable of housing up to four people.
November 20, 2019at 5:14 am Royston Jones Jr.